Pearl Jam – Backspacer
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Despite spearheading an entire musical genre and helping define the early nineties alternative nation Pearl Jam have pretty much been free to do as they damn well please over the past eighteen or so years. Initially feeling the pressure of media scrutiny not to mention having the hopes of an entire generation pinned upon them, Seattle’s sole survivors rebelled to the point of near obscurity. Their back catalogue reads almost like a pilgrimage, dodging the potential minefield of success before striving to reach the promised land of artistic freedom. Their refusal to make Music videos or release singles, their battles against evil corporations and, inevitably, their internal struggles with themselves. A delve into their creative output should be testament that the fight was worth it. Free of trends and Musical fads Pearl Jam has simply focused on creating uncompromisingly original music.
Eddie Vedder appears to have been obsessed with his counties decaying political climate on his group’s previous few long players, how refreshing then that on ‘Backspacer’ the seasoned quintet’s ninth studio effort, we find the band in a decidedly chipper mood.
Hooking up with lauded producer Brendan O’Brien for the first time in seven long years Pearl Jam have perhaps produced their most accessible set yet.
Album opener ‘Gonna See My Friend’ kicks ‘Backspacer’ into life unveiling just how hungry these forty-something twenty year veterans have once again become. Cruising atop a rousing rock-a-billy rhythm before giving way to a driving punk n’ roll chorus this seemingly cautionary tale climaxes with Vedder’s trademark baritone wail proclaiming he’s ‘Gonna see his friend, make it go away’. An early indication that the subject matter for this disc is inherently more personal than anything we’ve heard come out of the good ship PJ for a very long time.
‘Got Some’ picks up the political warnings but stands alone as the isolated statement on the perils of war and peace. Elsewhere we are treated to new wave leanings underscored by the excellent first single ‘The Fixer’ an infectious slice of upbeat melody proving the age old adage that less is more.
‘Johnny Guitar’ continues the post-punk lesson at times inviting comparisons to Swedish swingsters The Hives.
The appropriately titled ‘Just Breathe’ provides the first reprieve in an otherwise break neck opening. A folk-tinged acoustic lament acting as a tribute to lasting love and featuring a sample of Vedder’s most heart wrenching lyrics to date. ‘Amongst the Waves’ provides the almost obligatory open love letter to Vedder’s passion for surfing. It also boasts the first real flourish from atomic axe-wielders Gossard and McCready who pile on effects to create a vintage feel.
And so it continues, from the seventies glam rock ramp up that is ‘Supersonic’ to the razor sharp sentiments of ‘Force of Nature’ this is a well travelled act that has made the conscious decision to shrug off their would be legacy and play as if they were sixteen years old again.
A bright, slick and considered set, ‘Backspacer’ proves Pearl Jam are at odds with it’s latest title and continue to move forward.
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