Let’s be honest: Dinosaur Jr., as great as they are, have never been the most evolutionary of bands. Their sonic wave – bracing, grungy noise pop with the occasional mild psychedelic bent – has barely altered over the years. But so what? While many bands manage to beat their distinctive stamp into the ground, guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, and drummer Murph make it sound fresh nearly every time, just by virtue of being so damn good at what they do.
Near There, the trio’s thirteenth studio album, proves the point. Catchy melodies, powerhouse performances, and a clear comfort with how to make their music rule the day here. That’s not to say there aren’t some differences. Mascis’ solos and singing feel smoother than in the past, though never slick, and his tone – channeled through the dreaded Mesa Boogie amplifier – comes off as both cleaner and blunter than usual. But that’s refinement, not a rut – all Dino Jr. needs to make it work is a set of good songs, and they definitely have that. Mascis is on point, subtly shifting elements within his bubble to give these tunes just the fire they need to burn. From the squall-to-shimmer route taken by “Take Me With You” and the rock & roll groove ridden by “Several Got Away” to the winsome sweetness evinced by “Everything at Once” and the Bevis Frond-like power balladry painted by “Put It Down,” the alt.rock icon drops shining gems of guitar rock like a magic fairy. Though less prolific, Barlow follows suit, with the sparkling agit-folk rock of “No One’s Ready” and the hazy Neil Youngish crunch of “Blowin’ Up.”
Some artists find their box, settle into it, and grow stale over time and repetition. But Dinosaur Jr. makes their carton jump, roll, and shout with every new release. On Near There, they prove themselves not nostalgic or hidebound, but classic.
