Shudder to Think

Shudder to Think was formed in Washington, D.C., in 1986, developing from the hardcore group Stüge after bassist Stuart Hill and drummer Mike Russell were joined by singer Craig Wedren and guitarist Chris Matthews. Combining post-hardcore with irregular rhythms, theatrical vocals, glam rock, and unconventional pop structures, the band began recording with the Sammich label, which issued its debut album, Curses, Spells, Voodoo, Mooses, in 1988. Shudder to Think subsequently signed with Dischord Records and released Ten Spot in 1990, Funeral at the Movies in 1991, and Get Your Goat in 1992, while touring with Fugazi and the Smashing Pumpkins. Matthews and Russell were replaced by guitarist Nathan Larson and former Jawbox drummer Adam Wade before the band signed with Epic Records in 1993. Its major-label debut, Pony Express Record, followed in 1994 and paired art-rock experimentation with post-hardcore on recordings including “Hit Liquor” and “X-French Tee Shirt.” Kevin March replaced Wade before the release of the more melodic 50,000 B.C. in 1997. Shudder to Think then composed music for the films First Love, Last Rites and High Art, contributed two recordings to Velvet Goldmine, and supported Pearl Jam in Australia before becoming inactive in 1998. Wedren, Larson, March, guitarist Mark Watrous, and bassist Jesse Krakow reunited for performances beginning in 2007, with concerts from this period documented on Live from Home in 2009. Another reunion took place at Washington’s Black Cat in 2013. Shudder to Think returned more substantially in 2025 with Wedren, Larson, Wade, bassist Jherek Bischoff, and guitarist Clint Walsh, initially playing two surprise concerts in Los Angeles before undertaking their first tour in seventeen years. The Dischord single “Thirst Walk”, backed with “Playback,” became their first new material since the late 1990s. Recorded principally at Wedren’s Pink Ape Studios in Los Angeles, the three-song EP Who Sent You? followed on September 11, 2026, comprising its title track, “Something to Do,” and “Release the Ball.”