Unglued Reviews

The reunion of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph – the three original members of pioneering indie rock outfit Dinosaur Jr. – 16 years after they last shared a stage was certainly unexpected, given that not only had guitarist and vocalist Mascis released more albums as Dinosaur Jr. since unceremoniously kicking bassist Barlow out of the band than the three they had recorded together (and allowed drummer Murph only minimal contributions to many of those subsequent recordings) but that Mascis also appeared to have retired the Dinosaur Jr. name, releasing material this century either solo or under the title J Mascis + The Fog. Even more unexpectedly, the reunion tour (to promote reissues of those first three albums) has led to a new studio release from the trio. What’s more – possibly most unexpected of all – it’s an unqualified success.

Almost Ready begins the album, and it’s like they never were apart – a lush melody threads through walls of fuzzy distortion and J’s distinctive slacker vocals still sound like his voice is perpetually breaking. Crumble is a little more restrained, favouring the group’s alternative country leanings (also in evidence on We’re Not Alone) and highlighting the yearning in Mascis’ cracked voice, but still finding room as always for a guitar solo. Pick Me Up is an assertive, punchy slice of rock, featuring the theremin sound familiar from the band’s later output. However, the nearly three-minute long lead guitar break at the end of this track will no doubt make some thankful that the next track is a Barlow composition. Yes, that’s right, Mascis is sharing some of the limelight this time around, proving that time heals all wounds. The band’s sound filtered through Barlow’s writing (or vice versa) here and on the thoughtful Lightning Bulb provides a measured counterpoint to Mascis’ songs. It’s not the only source of variety on the album, though, as I Got Lost proves to be uncharacteristically gentle and quiet, allowing the tune some rare breathing space, despite the embellishments of a cello, and It’s Me has a deeper, dirtier sound than normal.
This Is All I Came Here To Do and Been There All the Time, however, are quintessential Dinosaur Jr.: pop sensibilities mixed with shredding solos and layers of distortion, all turned up to 11 and treated like it’s the most natural combination in the world.

It might be unexpected to have them back, but it’s sure as hell not unwelcome.

Owen Heitmann