ALBUM REVIEW: Dark Matter – Pearl Jam

From their beginnings in the early 90s onwards, Seattle rock behemoths PEARL JAM have always been a band who have done things their own way and on their own terms. From selling millions of classic records so early in their career to consistently making the music they want to, when they want to, they have literally nothing to prove to anyone, especially at this stage of their career. They could easily just rely on their vast legacy as a heritage band, but they have never been inclined to rest on their laurels and this is what makes them so special. To demonstrate this, the band’s latest album Dark Matter marks a spectacular recorded return for that sees them on stunningly poignant and heartwarming form.

Dark Matter may be the twelfth album of PEARL JAM‘s long and storied career but the energy on here sees the band sounding completely revitalised and reenergised. They tear the roof off right from the start and the album doesn’t let up until the last notes fade out. Opener Scared Of Fear sets things up perfectly and from then on the band just sound so alive on this record with fantastic songs like the blazing title track, the beautiful ode to Eddie Vedder‘s daughters on Something Special, the high-octane Running and the gorgeous closing number Setting Sun all being undeniable high points.

Vedder‘s vocals sound as evergreen as they always do, particularly on tracks like the aforementioned Scared Of Fear, the brilliantly Tom Petty-esque Wreckage and the anthemic Upper Hand. Indeed, all of the current line-up are on fire, with guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready on fine form throughout (just check out the guitar playing on Upper Hand and the title track, for example), with relatively new member Josh Klimghoffer also adding his skill with his guitar playing as well as contributing piano and keyboard flourishes. Powerhouse drummer Matt Cameron demonstrates what a great player he is and just how well he works alongside longtime bass man Jeff Ament and the whole affair undeniably sounds like a band reborn.

With an upcoming tour in the offing, the material on Dark Matter is going to slot right in with all the classics and the 11 tracks on this album are ready made for singalongs aplenty. Anyone who has caught PEARL JAM live in recent years – such as their massive Hyde Park gigs a couple of years ago – will know how celebratory these occasions are, and this record sounds just as celebratory.

PEARL JAM have knocked it out of the park with Dark Matter as this is an album that is passionate, melodic, emotional, heavy, fiery and above all life-affirming. It’s basically everything you would want from a PEARL JAM album and it is joyous to hear that from the band, especially with it being over 30 years since they first emerged.

Rating: 9/10

Dark Matter is out now via Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records.

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