Big Stir Records proudly announces that legendary power pop outfit Splitsville has rejoined the active roster — and with renewed purpose. Originally from Baltimore, Splitsville emerged in 1994 when twin brothers Brandt and Matt Huseman (then of The Greenberry Woods) teamed with Paul Krysiak to form a new vehicle for melodic punch. After establishing themselves with Splitsville USA (1996), Ultrasound (1997), Repeater (1998), and the ambitious The Complete Pet Soul (2001) — already hailed for its homage to ’60s pop — the band’s trajectory slowed.
During their early run, Splitsville gained critical praise for blending bright melodies with sophisticated arrangements. The Complete Pet Soul project earned a 4½ star rating from AllMusic, and fans applauded how orchestral flourishes and pop sensibility were balanced. To perform the richer material live, the band brought in Tony Waddy on guitar/vocals, solidifying their onstage lineup. But after Incorporated (2003) and a subsequent international tour, Splitsville entered an extended hiatus. A retrospective best-of, Let’s Go!: The Best Of Splitsville, maintained their presence among fans — but no new original album appeared until now.
The first public signal of their reactivation is the new single “Beth Steel,” released June 6, 2025. Hallmarks of Splitsville’s signature sound: chiming guitars, vocal harmonies, sharp hooks, and a narrative rooted in place. On social media, Big Stir confirms that Mobtown, the forthcoming full-length album, is due July 18 in CD and streaming formats — their first LP in over two decades.
Mobtown promises to be more than a nostalgic return. Thematically, it is billed as a “love letter to Baltimore,” drawing on the city’s history, communities, and contradictions to inform its lyricism. Musically, the album signals both continuity and expansion: layered textures, tight power pop arrangements, and mature reflection. Early reviews and fan reactions suggest that Mobtown sounds like Splitsville at the top of their game.
Splitsville’s return under Big Stir puts them alongside kindred acts in the label’s catalog: fellow power pop luminaries like The Flashcubes and Sparkle*Jets UK. Their reintroduction is not just backward-looking—it’s a statement of relevance, artistic ambition, and local pride.
