Chicago alt-rockers, Woolworthy, are set to make a triumphant return to the music scene with their new album, Electric Heartbreak, on Friday, November 17 via Boss Tuneage Records. After a 21-year hiatus, Woolworthy is back to deliver their signature up-tempo, pop-rock anthems and have released a new single called “Hand Grenade” which can be streamed below. Woolworthy's reunion and the release of Electric Heartbreak will undoubtedly rekindle the passion of 90’s alt-rock fans and introduce their iconic music to a new generation of listeners. Known for their unique blend of alternative rock, indie, and pop-punk influences, Woolworthy was a mainstay of the Chicago music scene and the Boss Tuneage Records roster (who have released records from pop-punk royalty like The Doughboys and The Nils) from the mid '90s through the early 2000’s. The album Electric Heartbreak features 11 tracks that showcase their distinctive sound, combining emotionally charged lyrics with powerful guitar riffs and melodic hooks. Founding member and singer/guitarist, Rudy Gonzalez, reflects on the band's return:

"Woolworthy is a unique animal. It's had several lineup changes, but each member became a lifelong friend. Especially with me, Rick, Mark and Dave. And I think the brotherhood that we had in the band came through in the songs and in our shows… and because of that, I knew we were not done. I didn't think it would be 18 years later, but that's how things shake out sometimes. I wrote a bunch of songs during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, and I thought they sounded very ‘Woolworthy’. I had a gut feeling to save them for the right time. 2023 became the right time.“

“I edited the video with clips from Woolworthy shows dating back to 1998. It was a trip down memory lane for sure. Hopefully it brings back a few memories for people attending, playing, booking, or working the shows. I had forgotten how fun those Double Door Halloween shows were. That was a fun era for the Chicago music scene.” - Rick Uncapher (Bassist)

Woolworthy was a dynamic alternative/indie rock band hailing from the vibrant 90’s music scene of Chicago that launched the likes of Veruca Salt, Local H, The Smoking Popes, Triple Fast Action, and many more. Formed by members Rudy Gonzalez (vocals/guitar) and Rick Uncapher (bass), they burst onto the local scene in 1995, playing raw and energetic songs influenced by bands like The Replacements, early Goo Goo Dolls, Soul Asylum, and Green Day.

Woolworthy toured the Midwest, the UK, and Europe, sharing the stage with notable acts of the time such as Plain White T’s, Unwritten Law, Sugarcult, Lucky Boys Confusion, and Local H, but after numerous lineup changes, the band came to an end in 2005. Members went on to play in or were involved with numerous Chicago bands such as The Dead On, Noise By Numbers, Textbook, Caviar, Loud Lucy, Muchacha, Dan Vapid and the Cheats, and The Cells.

Electric Heartbreak was recorded by Jeff Dean (Samiam, Braid) and mixed and mastered by Mike Hagler (Wilco, The Mekons, Waco Brothers). This is the band’s first new music in 21 years. Anchored by the classic line-up of Rudy Gonzalez - vocals/guitar, Rick Uncapher - bass, Mark Doyle - drums, and Dave Suh - lead guitar/vocals, they are picking up right where it left off - playing up-tempo, anthemic, rock and roll.

FFO: The Replacements, Cheap Trick, Goo Goo Dolls, Lemonheads

Releases

Woolworthy