Pearl Jam, the iconic grunge band with 33 years and 12 albums under their belt, have released their new album, ‘Dark Matter’, proving they still have the ability to surprise their fans. The album, which follows their 2020 release ‘Gigaton’, starts with the explosive tracks ‘Scared Of Fear’ and ‘React, Respond’, reminiscent of the classics in ‘Vitalogy’ and ‘Vs’. However, this time, the band has combined their earlier sound with their years of experience.
The title track ‘Dark Matter’ showcases the instrumental virtuosity of bassist Jeff Ament and lead guitarist Mike McCready and delivers the same rapturous hit of energy that first put Pearl Jam on the scene. The album is proof of the band’s ability to still let rip 33 years down the line. However, some more recent additions like ‘Running’ seem to fall flat in place of substance, despite the whirlwind of lyrics and heavy riffs.
Pearl Jam has not turned their back on their musical evolution, and ‘Dark Matter’ still pays homage to their more recent, blues-flavoured stylings. ‘Wreckage’, ‘Won’t Tell’ and ‘Something Special’ sit in the same realm as recent albums like ‘Lightning Bolt’, taking a stripped-back, almost-country approach as Vedder lays down his signature vocals over the top.
Towards the end of the album, the band introduces an interesting shift in the form of the experimental ‘Upper Hand’ and emotionally-rich ‘Setting Sun’, where Vedder’s lyrics have the power to take the music to the next level. The album showcases Pearl Jam reclaiming the charm that made them a force to be reckoned with back in 1991, alongside their most impressive musicianship yet and a determination to take risks after years of playing it safe.
‘Dark Matter’ was released on April 19, 2024, under the Republic Records label. Fans of Pearl Jam will be pleasantly surprised by the combination of classic and new sounds in the album, proving the band is as relevant as ever in the music scene
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