33 years and 12 albums in, Pearl Jam followers can be forgiven for considering they know precisely what to anticipate from the band by now. From dominating the ‘90s rock scene with their 13-times platinum breakthrough ‘Ten’ to a middle-of-the-road stint within the ‘00s with lacklustre, bluesy albums ‘Binaural’ and 2006’s self-titled snoozer, it appeared up till now that the band’s heyday had been left prior to now. But, with ‘Darkish Matter’ – their first launch since 2020’s ‘Gigaton’ – Eddie Vedder and co. show they nonetheless have some surprises up their sleeve.
From the get-go, the grunge icons ship a few of their most hard-hitting work in recent times, launching into explosive tracks ‘Scared Of Worry’ and ‘React, Reply’, which aren’t dissimilar from the classics in ‘Vitalogy’ and ‘Vs’. This time round although, they haven’t solely ventured again to their roots, however mixed it with their many years of expertise.
Nowhere is that this refinement showcased higher than the title observe. Alongside delivering the identical rapturous hit of power that first put Pearl Jam on the scene, it additionally showcases the instrumental virtuosity of bassist Jeff Ament and lead guitarist Mike McCready, as the 2 playfully toy with dynamics and showcase some scarcely seen flashiness.
Sure, the factor that stands out most about ‘Darkish Matter’ is Pearl Jam’s skill to nonetheless let rip 33 years down the road, nevertheless, it is a daring transfer that doesn’t at all times repay. Whereas the aforementioned tracks stand out as a number of the strongest moments on the album, later additions like ‘Operating’ appear to fall flat, as a whirlwind of lyrics and heavy riffs arrive in substitute of substance.
This isn’t to say that the members have turned their again on their musical evolution although, as a hefty chunk of the LP nonetheless pays homage to their more moderen, blues-flavoured stylings. ‘Wreckage’, ‘Gained’t Inform’ and ‘One thing Particular’, as an illustration, sit within the realm of more moderen albums like ‘Lightning Bolt’ – taking a stripped-back, almost-country strategy as Vedder lays down his signature vocals excessive.
Tucked away within the latter half of the LP although, an attention-grabbing shift is launched within the type of the experimental ‘Higher Hand’ and emotionally-rich ‘Setting Solar’. Right here, not solely do the band show they’re in prime kind musically, however the lyrics from Vedder have the ability to take it to the subsequent degree. “I held the dream you’d stick with me ’til kingdom come/ Seems it was extra like hit and run/ Am I the one one hanging on?” he questions within the latter, because the album attracts to a detailed — a line which feels notably heavy given the tragic destiny that has adopted frontmen within the grunge scene.
For these eager for the charismatic songwriting that first put the band on the map over three many years in the past, ‘Darkish Matter’ will come as a nice shock. Not solely does it showcase Pearl Jam reclaiming the appeal that first made them a pressure to be reckoned with again in 1991, it comes alongside a few of their most spectacular musicianship but, in addition to a dedication to take dangers after years of taking part in it protected.
Particulars
- Launch date: April 19, 2024
- Document label: Republic Information
