Note: Beyond is the first Dinosaur Jr. album featuring the original lineup (J. Mascis – vocals/guitar; Lou Barlow – bass/vocals; Murph – drums) since 1988’s Bug. For more info on the reunion, read Dinosaur Jr. Reunion Album.
Sound: Fuzz-heavy riffs and virtuosic guitar solos collide with underground punk energy and J. Mascis’ trademark achy and fragile vocals. Lou Barlow takes the lead on two of the tracks, which sound like classic Sebadoh (his former band) – minor-keyed tension mixed with pretty, yearning melody.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Back To Your Heart”; “It’s Me”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Lightning Bulb”; “Pick Me Up”; “Crumble”; “We’re Not Alone”
Recommended: Beyond is a surprisingly urgent and consistent album from a trio that hasn’t recorded together in almost 20 years. No, it’s not quite as raw and feedback-heavy as the band’s original work. Yes, the years of writing more structured and melodic songs inform the new stuff. And I say that’s a good thing. Plus, I think the two Lou Barlow tracks (“Back To You Heart” and “Lightning Bulb”) are some of the best moments (but I’ve always been a little biased towards Sebadoh over Dinosaur Jr.) on an album with very few low points.
Grade: B+
Download/Stream “Almost Ready” MP3
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