Shudder to Think’s Pony Express Record is one of the outstanding yet overlooked records of the 1990s. The band’s mix of glam and hard rock, anchored by the utterly compelling vocals of Craig Wedren, wasn’t made for those times, despite their “X-French Tee Shirt” video receiving regular play for a brief moment and endorsements from artists like Jeff Buckley. Shudder to Think’s star has only risen since, and their intensely devoted fanbase has been waiting with baited breath for these long-rumored two tracks.
The physical copies are already sold out. They pick up right where they left off, delivering their irresistible idiosyncratic hooks. Wedren sounds as great as ever, too, and his lyrics are as inscrutable and tantalizing as ever on “Thirst Walk”. “Playback” has a riff and drive that recalls Pony Express Records’ “Nine Fingers on You”, with a sticky chorus and claps added for good measure. The band have promised that more new songs are on the way, and the wait will be agonizing.