Bob Mould
Here We Go Crazy
Granary Music/BMG Records [2025]
“Four decades in, Mould still delivers with the fire and urgency of a true indie rock legend.”
Album Overview: Bob Mould (now 64) has been a force in indie rock for over four decades, first making his mark as the guitarist and vocalist of Hüsker Dü in the 1980s. After the band’s breakup, he launched a solo career before forming Sugar in the early ‘90s, delivering some of the most enduring power-pop records of the era. His solo work has remained a cornerstone of guitar-driven rock, blending raw intensity with sharp songwriting. Across his career, Mould has balanced explosive energy with deeply personal lyrics, cementing his status as an influential figure in both underground and mainstream rock. Here We Go Crazy marks his return with his first full-length effort in over four years, bringing back his signature high-powered approach. Featuring the seasoned rhythm section of Jon Wurster and Jason Narducy, the album charges through eleven songs packed with both personal struggle and broader emotional conflicts. While it doesn’t push his sound in a radically new direction, it delivers exactly what longtime fans expect—a relentless display of hooks and emotion.
Musical Style: The record stays true to Mould’s strengths—an unfiltered rush of overdriven guitars, crisp melodies, and propulsive rhythms. The mix is clean but never sterile, letting his playing hit with full force. His vocals remain commanding, cutting through layers of distortion with clarity. Here We Go Crazy is rooted in punk’s immediacy, power-pop’s knack for melody, and the density of classic alternative rock.
Evolution of Sound: While Here We Go Crazy doesn’t stray far from his previous solo work, it sharpens the elements that have long defined his style. The album strips away excess, keeping arrangements focused and direct. Mould balances intensity with introspection, mirroring his past but with a renewed sense of purpose. His approach remains timeless, as vital now as it was decades ago, even as his songwriting reflects a shifting perspective.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of forceful guitars paired with tuneful songwriting will find plenty to love here, much like the work of Superchunk, The Replacements, Ted Leo, and Teenage Fanclub. The aggressive drive of Sugar remains an obvious touchstone, while newer bands like Cloud Nothings and Japandroids echo Mould’s relentless energy.
Pivotal Tracks: “Neanderthal” is a high-powered track with a frantic pulse, capturing turmoil and unease through its relentless pacing and shifting vocal tones. The title track, “Here We Go Crazy,” kicks off the record as a bold statement of intent, surging forward with tightly wound momentum. Both songs define the album’s balance between control and chaos. Elsewhere, “Lost or Stolen” breaks the wall of muscular guitars with acoustic strumming, letting Mould’s voice take center stage and drive the song’s intensity. “When Your Heart Is Broken” may not be the feel-good hit of the summer, but its up-tempo delivery and infectious chorus make it one of the album’s catchiest moments.
Lyrical Strength: Mould’s lyrics remain sharp, tackling themes of uncertainty, survival, and personal reckoning with a mix of directness and layered meaning. He has a knack for weaving emotion into compact lines, giving his songs weight without unnecessary embellishment. The lyrics on Here We Go Crazy reflect a restless mind navigating both personal and external conflict, reinforcing his reputation as a songwriter unafraid to confront life’s messier moments.
Final Groove: Here We Go Crazy doesn’t reinvent Mould’s sound, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a masterclass in what he does best—distilling decades of experience into a tightly executed, emotionally charged album. Longtime fans will find comfort in its familiar intensity, while newcomers will get a solid introduction to his signature mix of power and melody. If this record proves anything, it’s that Bob Mould still has plenty of fire left—and no intention of slowing down.
BOB MOULD REVIEW HISTORY
Blue Hearts (2020) / Sunshine Rock (2019) / Patch The Sky (2016) / Beauty & Ruin (2014) / Silver Age (2012)
BOB MOULD LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | BMG Records
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