Original Dag Nasty Lineup Reunites for New Release

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Feb 4, 2016

The original lineup of DC melodic hardcore innovators Dag Nasty have reunited to deliver a two-song 7-inch. Marking the first time vocalist Shawn Brown (Red Hare, Swiz) has recorded with the band in 35 years, their "Cold Heart"/"Wanting Nothing" is due out later this spring via Dischord.

UPDATE (4/4 11 a.m.): The 7-inch is due out on May 20.

While the band had posted a few pictures of themselves in a recording studio through guitarist Brian Baker's Instagram account last December, the release was officially confirmed today (February 4) in a press release from Dischord. It's clarified that the original lineup of Brown, Baker, bassist Roger Marbury and drummer Colin Sears got together at Virginia's Inner Ear Studios to record with producers Don Zientara and Ian MacKaye.

Neither sound samples or artwork for the single has been revealed.

The sessions mark the first time in over three decades that Brown has recorded with the rest of Dag Nasty, though they had reunited onstage in 2012.

Brown had recorded a clutch of songs with the group in the '80s that would go unreleased for some time, though the material was re-recorded with second vocalist Dave Smalley for 1986's Can I Say. Brown's versions were issued in 1991 as 85-86, while Dischord had also issued the Dag with Shawn compilation in 2010.

In addition to lineup changes, Dag Nasty have broken up and reformed a few times over the years. They first split after the release of 1988's Field Day, with third vocalist Peter Cortner, but they got together with Smalley in 1992 to release Four on the Floor. The Smalley-fronted version of the band also reunited the next decade to deliver Minority of One in 2002.

The Brown-fronted Dag Nasty recently announced a run of European dates, which you can find more info about over here. It's unclear if the band will be playing any North American shows in support of the upcoming 7-inch.

UPDATE (2/05 12:45 p.m.): It's since been pointed out to Exclaim! that Dag Nasty are to perform at this May's Punk Rock Bowling event in Las Vegas. More info can be found over here.

In related news, Brown's Red Hare project are releasing a three-song 7-inch February 16 through Dischord/Hellfire Records. A video for its "Silverfish" was revealed last week.

 

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