Pearl Jam were always an unlikely success story. One of 90s rock’s defining acts, the band always chafed at the strictures of fame, with their principles often sitting at odds with their obligations. Famously boycotting Ticketmaster venues during the height of their fame, the group forever made things difficult for themselves, a pattern that continued into the 21st century. The pace of change slowed somewhat, with fans waiting seven years between 2013’s ‘Lightning Bolt’ and experimental follow-up ‘Gigaton’ in 2020. It’s all the more surprising, then, to sit back and bask in the glow of ‘Dark Matter’ – it’s heavy, it’s thrilling, it’s guitar-dominated, and it sounds like Pearl Jam having the time of their lives on (whisper it) the best album they’ve produced this century.
Constructed in the studio alongside Andrew Watt, ‘Dark Matter’ feels tailor-made for those epic live shows, each song continually reaching out to its biggest expanse. Opener ‘Scared Of Fear’ is a case in point – epic rock music played for thrills, it sounds like Pearl Jam finally relaxing into their mythology.
‘React, Respond’ is driven by a spasm of guitar riffs, stripping back grunge excess to reveal something visceral and incisive. ‘Wreckage’ opens out a little, its Americana shimmer almost Tom Petty-like. Title track ‘Dark Matter’ kicks out with a percussive run from Matt Cameron, so often the heartbeat of this record, before embracing distorted guitar and a superb Eddie Vedder vocal, hidden just under the surface of the mix.
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The mid-section gives time to breath while allowing a little more space to develop in the arrangements. ‘Won’t Tell’ is plangent and fulsome, the shimmering chorus offering Pearl Jam at their most melodic. ‘Upper Hand’ has a curiously psychedelic appeal, while ‘Waiting For Stevie’ carries shades of The Who at their most bombastic.
A taut 11-track run, ‘Dark Matter’ closes with a full-throttle run of powerhouse rock music. ‘Running’ is a phenomenal piece of helter-skelter songwriting, Eddie Vedder’s throat-shredding vocal raising the band to delirium. ‘Something Special’ kicks out with a confident strut, the sing-along chorus destined to charm festivals across the globe. ‘Got To Give’ is an ace slice of ultra-raw melody, reminiscent of Foo Fighters at their best, while retaining that unique Pearl Jam spice. Closer ‘Setting Sun’ has a slight Central American lilt to the best, the drowsy arrangement perfectly tapping into those end-of-an-evening vibes.
A fast-paced, immediate selection ‘Dark Matter’ easily ranks amongst Pearl Jam’s most straight-forwardly enjoyable releases. Trimming back the excess of their recent experimental streak, it finds the band digging back into their core values – ruthlessly entertaining, often moving, it’s an undoubted thriller for fans.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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