Charger bring together musicians whose names need little introduction in the punk and hardcore scenes. Bassist and vocalist Matt Freeman is best known for his work with Rancid, guitarist and vocalist Andrew McGee played alongside Jello Biafra in The Guantanamo School of Medicine, and drummer and vocalist Jason Willer has also played with UK Subs. Together, Charger deliver a sound that combines punk energy with a seriously heavy, crushing sonic attack.
The five tracks were recorded in July 2025 at Studio 2200 in Sausalito, California, on the site of the legendary former Record Plant studio. Chris Dugan was behind the controls. Opening track “Plains Drifter” immediately puts Freeman’s unmistakable bass playing front and center, racing all over the fretboard before McGee’s riffs kick in and Willer’s relentless drumming locks everything together. Before you know it, nearly two and a half minutes have flown by, with four more tracks still waiting.
The flip side also makes room for the keyboards of Kephera Moon, whose distinctive style can be heard on “Rolling Thunder” and “Break-out.” Moon has previously played with pioneering Swiss krautrock band Brainticket, as well as Hedersleben and Nik Turner of Hawkwind. Lars Frederiksen (Rancid, The Old Firm Casuals) also stopped by the studio to contribute backing vocals and co-write two of the tracks, while Wayne Lozinak of Hatebreed added his voice to the recording sessions.
The vinyl edition comes in an impressive gatefold sleeve featuring infernal artwork by Santos. Last Call follows in the footsteps of Charger’s previous releases, including their self-titled debut EP, the single “Watch Your Back,” and the album Warhorse.
Last Call is set for release on October 23, 2026, through Pirates Press Records on 12-inch vinyl, available in three different color variants. Pre-orders are already underway, and the single “Breakout” is available to stream on digital platforms. You can also find digital updates and more Charger releases on the band’s Bandcamp page.
