''The Hunchback EP'' is an EP by American

indie rock Indie rock is a Music subgenre, subgenre of rock music that originated in the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand from the 1970s to the 1980s. Originally used to describe independent record labels, the term became associated with the mu ...

band Kurt Vile & the Violators, released on April 13, 2009 on Richie Records, and subsequently re-released on January 22, 2013. Produced and recorded by guitarist

Adam Granduciel Adam Granofsky (born February 15, 1979), better known under his stage name Adam Granduciel, is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is the frontman and primary songwriter of the indie rock band The War on Drugs, wit ...

, the EP preceded the release of Vile's third studio album, ''

Childish Prodigy ''Childish Prodigy'' is the third studio album by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile, released on October 6, 2009 on Matador Records. Upon the album's release, Vile stated, "I tell people it’s my masterpiece. It's pretty epic. I put a lot o ...

'' (2009), and is the first to be credited to both Vile and his backing band.

Background and recording

The EP's title track, "The Hunchback", subsequently appeared on Vile's third studio album, ''

'' (2009), with Vile noting: "The one on the EP is a jammier version, and it's more what ended up being the live version - it all shows that music is ever-changing. It's only a snapshot, you know what I mean? People might think that there's only one version in the world, but really it's always changing over time." The track, "Losing It", reappears on Vile's 2010 EP, ''

Square Shells ''Square Shells'' is a limited edition EP by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile, released on May 24, 2010 on Matador Records. Regarding the release, Vile stated: " he EP isa collection of some home recordings and some studio recordings. I p ...

'', in a different state.

Release

After its initial limited run, the EP was subsequently re-released with six live bonus tracks, recorded at the Earl, in

Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

, on August 7, 2011. A concert ''

Pitchfork A pitchfork (also a hay fork) is an agricultural tool with a long handle and two to five tines used to lift and pitch or throw loose material, such as hay, straw, manure, or leaves. The term is also applied colloquially, but inaccurately, to th ...

'' described as "the final show featuring the classic lineup of the Violators." A press release upon the EP's reissue described the release as "Kurt’s first big step into big rock, originally released in 2009 & sold out quickly over the course of a few trips across the USA. Full-on electric & an essential piece of the puzzle ..Fans of Kurt Vile’s previous work cried into their pillows and accused him of selling out the bedroom rock scene, while the initiated few knew he’d been doing it for years… plugging in with a full-on rock band called The Violators and gigging in all corners of Philly."

Track listing

#"The Hunchback" #"Damn You" #"Losing It" #"Hunchy's Back" #"Good Lookin Out" #"Slick Licks" 2013 reissue live bonus tracks #"On Tour" (live) #"Jesus Fever" (live) #"Freeway" (live) #"The Hunchback" (live) #"Freak Train" (live, featuring

Bradford Cox Bradford James Cox (born May 15, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock band Deerhunter. He also pursues a solo career under the moniker Atlas Sound. Cox formed Deerh ...

) #"Peeping Tomboy" (live)

Personnel

Kurt Vile & the Violators

Kurt Vile Kurt Samuel Vile (born January 3, 1980) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is known for his solo work and as the former lead guitarist of rock band the War on Drugs. Both in the studio and during li ...

- vocals, lead electric guitar, filter guitars, harmonica, sampler *

- baritone guitars, bass guitar, Casio *Jesse Trbovich - rodeo guitar, slide guitar, fuzz guitar *Mike Zanghi - drums, percussion

Recording personnel

- recording, mixing *Jeff Zeigler - recording (''5''), vocal overdub recording (''1''), additional mixing *Dave Parks - vocal recording (''5'')

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hunchback Ep 2009 EPs Kurt Vile albums Albums produced by Adam Granduciel