- Artist
- Dinosaur Jr
- Label
- PIAS
- Release date
- 30th April 2007
- Genre
- Rock/Punk
19 years on, acclaimed trio reform to blend punk and arena rock like they've never been away
Amidst the more odious band reunions of late (does the world really need The Police and Genesis a second time around?), that of iconic US grunge-rock three-piece Dinosaur Jr has been the most exciting. While the band continued to release excellent albums during the Nineties, most notably 1993's Where You Been?, this is the first time the curtain-haired J Mascis (guitars/vocals) has reconvened with original bassist (and Sebadoh main man) Lou Barlow and drummer Murph since 1988's Bug.
With minimum fuss, the trio pick up where they left off. Beyond begins with a bang as Almost Ready immediately immerses you in what sounds like 1988 hit Freakscene's guitar solo. The trademark Dinosaur aesthetics remain - crunchy drums, Barlow's fuzz bass, Mascis' cracked and stoned howl plus ear-bleeding guitar solos - but in 2007 sound fresh and almost soulful amidst today's cold post-punk and tedious emo. Perhaps more bands should take 19-year breaks.
