Shurr Jr., the indie rock trio from Sioux Falls, SD, is set to release their debut EP Red Shelter on March 28, 2025, via Max Trax Records. The band, made up of siblings Frankie (drums), Nick (guitar, vocals), and Kelly Maxwell (bass), recently shared the first single from the EP, "Drowning," on January 31. This release marks a new chapter for the band, following their 2021 digital single, "Dysania/Uncool."
The band name, Shurr Jr., comes from their late father Frank’s catchphrase, “Sure, Jr.,” often said to Frankie. Red Shelter is another tribute to their father, who played in the Omaha-based band Fifth of May and had saved the name for a future project of his own.
Red Shelter kicks off with "Ashes," a fast-paced song where crashing vocals rise like waves. Nick took a different approach to songwriting here, moving away from traditional structures. "Each part he writes feels like an exciting moment," says Frankie. The track has a pop-punk edge, with producer Nate Van Fleet adding a guitar part that intensifies the song’s urgency.
The single "Drowning" explores the turmoil of relationships that can’t be salvaged. "The perspective of this song flips back and forth," Nick says. "It’s about trying to cope in all the wrong ways." The song builds on thrashing guitar work and a driving rhythm section, making for a gripping introduction to the EP.
Other highlights include "Ink," the first song Frankie and Nick wrote together, featuring a memorable guitar riff and an explosive breakdown. "Red Shelter," the title track, shifts to a quieter, somber tone with acoustic guitar and an AM radio sample recorded by Frankie. "Lewis Park" brings in an upbeat, anthemic quality influenced by Hippo Campus, while "The End" closes out the EP with dynamic shifts between fast drumming, hushed vocals, and electronic flourishes.
Shurr Jr. draws from a mix of grunge, emo, punk, and surf rock, taking influence from artists like Elliott Smith and Title Fight. Their music is raw yet deliberate, capturing emotion through layered instrumentation and storytelling. With Red Shelter, the band delivers an honest, powerful debut that honors their roots while carving their own space in indie rock.