In our opinion one of the few respectable band from the grunge movement, PEARL JAM are about to release their new album titled “Dark Matter” next Friday.
Despite its title, Pearl Jam seems to find a new light on “Dark Matter”, an album jam-packed with fist-pumping rockers, strong songwriting, and melodies tailor-made to be shouted with the windows down. Some of their strongest work in recent memory.
From the get-go, the band deliver some of their most hard-hitting tracks in recent years, launching into explosive numbers ‘Scared Of Fear’ and ‘React, Respond’. This time around though, they have not only ventured back to their roots, but combined it with their decades of experience.
Nowhere is this refinement showcased better than the title track. Alongside delivering the same rapturous hit of energy that first put Pearl Jam on the scene, it also showcases the instrumental virtuosity of bassist Jeff Ament and lead guitarist Mike McCready, as the two playfully toy with dynamics and show off some scarcely seen flashiness.
Yes, the thing that stands out most about ‘Dark Matter’ is Pearl Jam’s ability to still let rip 33 years down the line, however, this is a bold move that doesn’t always pay off.
While the aforementioned tracks stand out as some of the strongest moments on the album, later additions like ‘Running’ seem to fall flat, as a whirlwind of lyrics and heavy riffs arrive in substitute of substance.
There’s more blues-flavoured tracks on ‘Wreckage’, ‘Won’t Tell’ and ‘Something Special’, taking a stripped-back, almost-country approach as Vedder lays down his signature vocals over the top.
For those longing for the charismatic songwriting that first put the band on the map over three decades ago, ‘Dark Matter’ will come as a pleasant surprise. Not only does it showcase Pearl Jam reclaiming the charm that first made them a force to be reckoned with back in 1991, it comes alongside some of their most impressive musicianship yet.
Tracklist:
01. Scared Of Fear
02. React, Respond
03. Wreckage
04. Dark Matter
05. Won't Tell
06. Upper Hand
07. Waiting For Stevie
08. Running
09. Something Special
10. Got To Give
11. Setting Sun
Pearl Jam – Dark Matter (Deluxe Edition) (2024)+FLAC CD
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