If you feared he would never return, it's official: Art Bergmann is back. The punk vet hasn't released new material since the '90s, but having spent his time in rural Alberta, he's now returning with an EP. Before Songs for the Underclass drops digitally on August 26 through (weewerk), it's available to stream on Exclaim.ca.
The collection includes four tracks. Opening number "Drones of Democracy" is a jammed-out, Crazy Horse-style rustic rocker. "Ballad of a Crooked" man is similarly sprawling and noisy. On the other hand, "Company Store" is a cowpunk number with a stripped-down middle section, and "Your Cold Appraising In" is a slow-burning closer with acoustic strums, piano plinks and rich harmonies.
This won't be the last time we hear from Bergmann. Not only has he expanded his upcoming tour schedule (see below), he is currently working on a full-length.
Physical copies of Songs for the Underclass will also be available in time for Bergmann's shows in Victoria and Vancouver.
Tour dates:
09/05 Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret
09/06 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom *
10/02 Calgary, AB - Commonwealth
10/23 Hamilton, ON - This Ain't Hollywood
10/24 Toronto, ON - The Great Hall
10/25 Wakefield, QC - The Blacksheep Inn
* with the Courtneys
Full Story & Stream:
exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/art_bergmann-songs_for_underclass_ep_stream