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J-Card Press has announced the upcoming release of The Dead Milkmen, a new book by Tyler Sonnichsen that explores the history and cultural impact of the influential Philadelphia punk band. The book arrives June 30 and is the first full-length publication dedicated to the group.

Early praise highlights the band’s lasting influence and the depth of Sonnichsen’s work. Rapper MC Lars describes the band as proof “you could be hilarious, political, weird, and successful without losing your edge,” adding that the book captures their “fearless satire” and enduring spirit. Drummer and comedian Jon Wurster calls it a “long-overdue telling” that offers both a nostalgic and revealing look at “one of alternative rock’s most important bands.”

Formed in Philadelphia in 1983, The Dead Milkmen emerged from the hardcore scene with a distinctly irreverent voice. Their 1985 debut album Big Lizard in My Backyard became a college radio staple, featuring the cult hit “Bitchin’ Camaro.” The band continued to build a devoted following through relentless touring and genre-blurring releases, including 1988’s Beelzebubba, which produced the MTV favorite “Punk Rock Girl.”

Sonnichsen’s book traces the band’s evolution—from their early satire of American culture and college rock success to their breakup in 1994 and eventual reunion in 2008. It also addresses pivotal moments, including the death of founding bassist Dave “Blood” Schulthise and the group’s resurgence in a rapidly changing musical landscape.

Drawing on exclusive interviews, rare images, and firsthand accounts, The Dead Milkmen presents a detailed portrait of a band that defied convention while shaping underground and alternative music scenes.

Sonnichsen, also known for his 2020 book Capitals of Punk, is a college geography instructor based in Vermont whose work often intersects music and place.