Get ready for the summer of Viva Lone Justice
Critically-adored, cult-favorite 80s alt country punk outfit Lone Justice is back.
Singer Maria McKee, guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, and bassist Marvin Etzioni are back at it once more with the release of a brand new 7” ‘Teenage Kicks,” which is out now.
Taken from their forthcoming album Viva Lone Justice, which is set for release later this year, “Teenage Kicks” is a “rambunctious slice of punk angst that sounds like it was recorded in one take. It’s a timeless anthem with a joyous riff that explodes into a hail of feedback,” according to distributor Fire Shop Records.
McKee shared the news on her Instagram with the following caption:
“Breaking! New (Old) Lone Justice single, a cover of The Undertones ‘70’s punk classic Teenage Kicks (shout out to my old friend Feargal Sharkey) is out today and available for a listen, link in bio. This track is on the forthcoming album Viva Lone Justice (featuring original LJ members Don Heffington, Marvin Etzioni, Ryan Hedgecock and me) available soon on @fire_records. “Teenage Kicks” physical product will be released July 12th. The B side is a live version of the George Jones classic Nothing Can Stop My Loving You. Get ready for the summer of Viva Lone Justice! 50/50 Country/Punk”
McKee also revealed that the B-side of the vinyl is “a live version of the George Jones classic Nothing Can Stop My Loving You. Get ready for the summer of Viva Lone Justice!”
Oh, we’ve been ready and waiting for so, so long.
Hailed by the New York Times as “impressive, ingenious and forceful,” the group burst onto the country-rock scene in 1985 with the release of their self-titled debut album Lone Justice through Geffen Records, a record deal put in motion by none other than Linda Ronstadt. Produced by industry legend Jimmy Iovine, the album boasted two charting singles, “Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” and “Ways To Be Wicked,” written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. Despite a tour supporting U2 and a host of critical acclaim surrounding the release, the group struggled to connect with their intended audience. After a shift in personnel, they gave it a go again with a second LP, Shelter, produced by Steve Van Zandt. Subsequently, it also failed to meet expectations and the group disbanded in 1987, with McKee pursuing a solo career and the other cast of members moving on to other work and projects.
But diehard fans and critics remained steadfast and true, and the group’s music has continued to stand the test of time and influence a new generation of artists and performers in the years that have passed.
Several compilations have emerged in the last few decades, but never a full-blown release of new music until now, making this a monumental moment for the band and potentially poising them for a break in an ever-evolving Americana/country rock scene.
Physical copies of “Teenage Kicks/Nothing Can Stop My Loving You” will hit stores July 12th.
…have we mentioned that we’ve been waiting oh so long for this?