When Pearl Jam dropped Gigaton in 2020 - a mere two weeks after the world shut down, there was a lot of fear and uncertainty about what track we were on as a society, and even as a species. We clung to whatever north star could guide us through those dark times.
So it really says something that still, four long years later, the purveying theme of Pearl Jam’s latest album Dark Matter is fear. The bases for our fears may have changed, and there can seemingly feel unseen (or maybe even in plain sight) forces at work around us engaged in mental war-profiteering that would attempt to commodify that fear. But still we muddle our way through with whatever help we can get.
“Scared of Fear”
Oh can I get you alone?
Let me fall at your feet
We are greeted to the album with an ambient intro not unlike we heard on Gigaton, but with a somewhat more ominous vibe. The opening guitar chords of “Scared of Fear” clears that fog with a decent summation of what’s in store for the rest of the album.
“React, Respond”
Embrace the unexpected…
Look I realize on the last tour, Pearl Jam had a hankering to open shows with a slow, tantric build, but if they decide to go the opposite way on this go-round, might i humbly suggest this juggernaut with Jeff Ament’s driving bassline leading the charge and a dare-I-say ferocious solo from Mike McCready.
“Wreckage”
If you’re feeling the leaving
I can’t make you stay
It’s time to relax. Light some candles, scented or otherwise and unwind. A softer, bittersweet tune soon to be heard in a 3rd act rom-com montage.
“Dark Matter”
Still everybody else pays
For someone else’s mistake
The first single off the album, and one of the stronger songs on offer. You can tell it was written for the stage. It’s got that anthemic call-and-response stank all over it. Like so much of Pearl Jam’s newer material, it tends to fair better in a live setting and i think we’ll be saying the same about this album.
“Won’t Tell”
As she smiled and played a minor chord
In a key I never heard before
One of Pearl Jam’s strengths has always been knowing how to write songs of hope. They may not be the strongest or most memorable of songs but as you listen, you can feel the earnest warmth on full display in Vedder’s voice.
“Upper Hand”
Bright lights make for dark shadows
Congrats, superfans. You now have a ‘Hand’ trilogy to wish for at the next show (so help me god if one of you comes at me with a fourth Hand song that I’ve forgotten…)
“Waiting For Stevie”
You can relate, but still can’t stop
This is the best song, and should be the last song of the album. It’s got a cozy, triumphant denoument kind-of-feel and a lovely refrain that’s bound to have folks doing that slow-arms-waving-thing and crying in the aisles this summer. Also, stellar work from Matt Cameron on this. Props to producer Andrew Watt for really dialing in the drums on the album.
“Running”
Now I’m lost in all the shit you’re flushing
Quick tempo. Tight 2:19. For those that like Lukin, but find it “too shouty”
“Something Special”
You’re going to have to let it go…
…and then sometimes, despite best intentions, a song can feel a little too earnest
“Got To Give”
Let’s get to the point
We can believe
As we come to this, our penultimate song, I’m reminded again of that hopefulness i referenced earlier. A far smarter person than I could probably attribute it to major-keys or usage of the Fibonacci sequence in chord structuring or maybe just the fact that optimism can be contagious.
“Setting Sun”
Hand in hand we took it on…
As the curtain draws closed with an almost “Inside Job”-like crescendo you can’t help but wonder what’s next in store for Pearl Jam. Dark Matter comes on the heels of Gigaton faster than any of us would have thought at a time when most bands of their tenure would have resigned themselves to the nostalgia tour circuit. Dark Matter isn’t the return-to-form to the days of Yield like some may be hoping, but it serves as a reminder that as we continue to age, continue to lose those we love, and continue to fear, there can still be some things to look forward to and embrace.
