In 1983 Boston-area songwriters Kirk Swan and Seth Tiven, working under the name Dumptruck, released their debut record, D Is for Dumptruck, a solid collection of songs with tuneful R.E.M.–style melodies, occasionally searing guitar solos, and some of the most dour lyrics since Joy Division. But after their more polished follow-up, Positively Dumptruck, received glowing reviews and some modest MTV airplay, Swan left the group, leaving Tiven to continue with an ever-changing supporting cast. In 1987 Dumptruck released For the Country, a more laid-back record that featured plaintive country-tinged acoustic tunes, and eventually major labels began knocking at their door. But when they tried to leave their independent label they got slapped with a $5 million lawsuit. The suit eventually proved specious, but not before three years of litigation destroyed Dumptruck and bankrupted Tiven. Not surprisingly, their last record, the newly released Days of Fear–containing a handful of fiddle-and-mandolin-dappled country tunes but bristling with electric guitar workouts–is a vivid testament to some dark days. Songs like “Bad Day” and “Giving Up” blend killer hooks with lyrics that seethe with anger and disgust. Tiven brings a reincarnated Dumptruck to town for
