Sludgeworth

Pop - punk band

Based in Chicago, IL, U.S.
Formed in 1989 by Screeching Weasel members Dan Schafer (vocals) and Brian Vermin (drums). The line up was rounded out by Adam White (guitar), Dave McLean (guitar) and Mike "Strat" Hooten (bass). The band became a fulltime endeavor after Vermin quit Screeching Weasel and convinced Schafer to follow suit. The band's sound was mostly categorized as pop punk with sometimes melancholy lyrics, although there was a growing influence of funk that was best exemplified on the B-side of the band's sole LP, 1991's "What's This?". This interest in funk proved to be the breaking point for the band, with Schafer wanting to continue with the band's pop punk sound while other members wanted to pursue the funk direction. Following a self-released 7" in 1992, the band announced their break up, with their last show being played in early 1993, by which time Schafer has already rejoined a reunited Screeching Weasel. The rest of the band would form Ethyline (initially called Pound) with a new vocalist. In 1995, Lookout! Records released a Sludgeworth compilation which featured a number of previously unreleased recordings that where rumored to be part of a second LP that never materialized.

In 2023, the band reformed to play shows in support of the reissue of the "Losers of the Year" compilation. New music followed in 2024.