NJ trio featuring members of Hunchback, The Ergs, Forward to Death, Psyched to Die, and more...

It is beyond fitting that Black Wine's self-titled debut is being released on Don Giovanni for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that, in many ways, Don Giovanni came about in order to put out early releases by Black Wine guitarist Jeff Schroeck's former band, New Jersey punk legends The Ergs. Throw in the fact that Black Wine's other members, Miranda Taylor and J. Nixon, comprised the rhythm section of another of Jersey's most explosive bands, Hunchback—and that Screaming Females frontwoman Marissa Paternoster (herself beyond influenced by The Ergs) helped record Black Wine's debut, and the familial nature of how Black Wine fits into the New Brunswick scene becomes even more clear.

Schroeck, Taylor and Nixon have lived the essence of what punk community should be about—different folks in different bands in the same community sharing ideas, making music together, supporting each other—for a decade now. With Black Wine, the trio is exploring a slightly poppier musicality, building upon the cult successes they've experienced in their other bands to achieve a heightened degree of songwriting prowess, steeped in grit and rich with experience. And boy have they ever had plenty of amazing experiences.

Both bands—Hunchback and The Ergs—broke up following a tour in early 2008; when they played one final show at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ on November 15th of that year, each member of each band playing that night got onstage and demolished every instrument in reach. There's something to be said for closure, because closure makes way for rebirth.

Cut to one year later, and not only did Black Wine find themselves having recorded some of the finest output of their careers, but Schroeck and Taylor are engaged to be married. Black Wine is the phoenix rising from the fire of The Ergs, and the fire sounds great. Think early SST drive; think early Sub Pop crunch, think forward. (Riot Act Media)