Dag Nasty – Wig Out At Denkos

Wig Out at Denko’s is the second studio album by Dag Nasty, released in 1987 on Dischord Records. Genre: melodic hardcore / emo. With Peter Cortner on vocals and Doug Carrion on bass, the record marked a shift from the raw aggression of their debut towards a more melodic, hook-driven sound. Produced by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara, it captures a balance between punk urgency and greater accessibility, with tracks like Safe, Wig Out at Denko’s and The Godfather highlighting this evolution.

The album’s tempos are less frantic than Can I Say, trading pure speed for tighter song structures and a more polished delivery. While some listeners saw it as less intense, others valued its melodic expansion and emotional depth. It remains a key release in the development of melodic hardcore and a bridge towards what would later be known as emo.

Reviews

“Wig Out at Denkos is a more streamlined affair that replaces most of the first LP’s frantic tempos with rockier dynamics.” — Trouser Press

“This time, Dag Nasty has less punch and more melody present, bringing the Descendents’ pop sound to mind.” — Maximum Rocknroll