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 10th 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 Nash
Kato and Eddie “King” Roeser, along with drummer Brian “Bon” Quast (Polvo;
Chery Valence) and bassist Mike “Hadji” Hogkiss (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. By the early 90’s, they were opening for Nirvana
and Pearl Jam, 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.
