Posted by Last time they made us wait seven years for Gigaton, this time it was a mere four years for their new album Dark Matter. This is their 12th one and it replaces the political and environmental rage and varied sound of Gigaton with guitar centric rock n roll. Produced by Andrew Watt, the man behind the Rolling Stones and Ozzy’s latest albums, DM takes inspiration from their first three albums – the classic Ten, Vs and Vitalogy.
The full throttle rocker ‘Scared of Fear’ and the restless energy of ‘React, Respond’ start the record with a bang, they go for the throat and have some electric solos – Mike McCready and Stone Gossard are certainly front and centre on this one. Written whilst Eddie Vedder was waiting for Stevie Wonder to turn up to record some bits for one of his solo albums, ‘Waiting For Stevie’ is a rousing rocker with some empathic guitar work. At just over 2 minutes ‘Running’ races along with punk like ferocity, and is an absolute blast.
Their big stadium rock has returned but it is not all hard and fast. ‘Upper Hand’ is an epic ballad, which starts off slow and Pink Floyd-esque and grows in size towards a fiery climax. Album closer ‘Got To Give’ is another big number, a glossy, melodic rocker that culminates to a rousing finish.
It is a big sounding and radio friendly album, especially the lighter moments. ‘Wreckage’ is a bittersweet number whose ruminations on a broken down relationship is the tune of a moreish, Tom Petty style melody. ‘Wont Tell’ offers up a sweet soft moment, it is an airy pop song with echoes of The Cure and a touch of melancholy to it.
This album is good addition to the Seattle quintet’s catalogue that may lack the rage and sonic breadth of Gigaton, but is more instantaneous and arena friendly.
7/10
Lofty Music and Film 