Bob Mould

Silver Age (Merge)

Bob Mould’s 2011 autobiography, See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody, remains notable for its lack of rage and melody, but apparently he was saving that for Silver Age. Shedding the introspection of recent efforts to unleash his most powerful solo work since Sugar, Mould strikes gold much like his post-Hüsker Dü vehicle – in the power trio formation alongside Jason Narducy and Superchunk’s Jon Wurster. “I’m never too old to contain my rage,” Mould spits atop huge, aggressive riffs on the title track, and throughout Silver Age, he never holds back perfectly pitched melodic post-punk and nods to the 20th anniversary reissue of Sugar’s Copper Blue. “The Descent” sinks seamless power-pop hooks, while “Steam of Hercules” courses heavy and slow behind its driving guitars. Now in his 50s, Bob Mould returns not as the forefather of modern indie rock, but as a vital contemporary. (Bob Mould performs Sugar’s Copper Blue, Fri., Orange stage, 5:05pm)

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This article appears in November 2 • 2012.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.