aaamusic | On 09, May 2011

Over 15 years since their last album, the two-headed rock ‘n roll behemoth that  is Urge Overkill, will finally make its return.  Their new album, Rock&Roll Submarine, is out May 23rd on their own label UO Records. The band’s mixture of arena-ready hooks with punk rock ferocity is as potent as ever, as apparent on the rip-roaring new track, “Effigy.”  As fans who crowded NYC’s Mercury Lounge this past October to witness the reunited group can attest, UO’s live show is in top form as well.  The guys kick off a brief US tour in May, where they will be tearing through their new and classic material.

The reformed lineup is made up of original singer-guitarists/songwriters Eddie “King” Roeser and Nash Kato, along with drummer Bonn Quast (Polvo; The Cherry Valence) and bassist Hadji Hodgkiss (Gaza Strippers).  As always, the chemistry between Kato and Roeser is at the driving force behind each song.  Whether it’s the haunting way in which their voices blend or their striking, intertwined guitars, the dual frontmen exude a unique and magnetic presence that has been sorely missed.

UO released its first full-length, the Steve Albini-produced Jesus Urge Superstar, in 1989 through Touch and Go Records and steadily began ascending in popularity.  Their third release for Touch and Go was helmed by another iconic producer, Butch Vig.  By the early 90’s, they were opening on Nirvana’s Nevermind tour and Pearl Jam’s Vs. tour, and eventually signed to Geffen Records, who released their beloved classic LP, Saturation.  The group’s biggest moment in the spotlight came when Quentin Tarantino prominently used their cover of Neil Diamond’s “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon” in his film Pulp Fiction.  The soundtrack soon became one of the most acclaimed and successful of the decade and Urge’s version of “Girl” became a hit.   The band went on to sell over 2.5 million albums, and recently came full circle when they performed at the New York Friar’s Club Roast of Quentin Tarantino this past December.

“Tougher-sounding than’93!  high-watermark Saturation, it’s another front- loaded barrage of Kiss-like riffs, hook.and punkily reconstituted rockism. From Mason Dixon’s struttin’ Southern boogie and the title track’s exhilarating echo of the Stones’ Soul Survivor, through to the adorably vulnerable Quiet Person – what a hoot! ” – **** Mojo

Urge Overkill Tour Dates:

05/13:  Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour

05/14:  San Diego, CA @ The Casbah

05/17:  New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

05/20:  Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge