Midwestern Indie Rock outfit Shiner has joined the Spartan Records roster. The label will be re-releasing the band’s catalog on vinyl, including the newly remastered 1996 debut album Splay, which was recorded at Steve Albini’s studio, with new artwork.
The group formed in 1992, and quickly began touring with bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate, Chore, Jawbox, Season to Risk, The Jesus Lizard, and Girls Against Boys. After an extended hiatus, the band reformed playing select shows each year since 2012. In 2020 the band released its latest album Schadenfreude.
Singer/guitarist Allen Epley says:
“Pairing with Spartan Records is akin to a dream come true for Shiner since we’ve been back at it after our 20 year hiatus. It’s a perfect home for us and we’re beyond psyched to make brand new music in addition to releasing our entire catalog, (including Schadenfreude) and a new release of rarities and lost gems that will be coming soon.
Shiner is a band that has always played to our strengths and this is no different, because Spartan understands where we’re at as a band, our influence on younger bands and our potential as a band making new music that excites us and our fans. We feel like kids again and couldn’t be more stoked to keep doing the things that have given us this extended adolescence.”

Spartan Records owner John T. Frazier comments:
The “full circle” moments that I’ve experienced running this label are what make it all worthwhile. I can still recall playing Shiner’s “Brooks” 7” on my college radio show in the mid-90’s like it was yesterday, so to be able to work with a band that has been so transformative in my life this many years later is just a dream come true — a real “pinch yourself” moment.
Upcoming shows:
SUN, JUL 10- Chicago, IL
West Fest Chicago 2022
TUE, JUL 12- Cleveland, OH
Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
WED, JUL 13- Toronto, Canada
The Baby G
THU, JUL 14- Ferndale, MI
The Loving Touch
FRI, JUL 15- Louisville, KY
Zanzabar
SAT, JUL 16- Tolono, IL
Loose Cobra