Consequence Song of the Week highlights the latest and greatest new tracks every week. Find these new favorites and more in our Spotify best songs playlist and to see other great songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify new sounds play list. This week, Pearl Jam
It's been 33 years in the game and Pearl Jam still knows how to let it go. 2020 Gigaton was their eleventh studio album, and it has enough good songs that trolls can barely talk about it before being attacked by fans. As “Dark Matter” demonstrates, the group hasn't lost anything in the four years since; in fact, they are learning new tricks.
The latest addition to PJ's sound comes courtesy of producer Andrew Watt, who receives co-writing and lyrical credit. Eddie Vedder had previously collaborated with Watt on his solo album. earthlings alongside Josh Klinghoffer, and brought both men into the studio for the Dark matter sessions.
It is difficult to argue with the results. The LP12 title track opens with thunderous drums from Matt Cameron that would make Phil Collins proud, before Jeff Ament's baritone guitar purrs in. Watt highlights some phrases with guitar reverb so intense it borders on static, while Vedder's vocals explore the “strange” days. “when everyone else pays for someone else's mistake.” He's not too specific about who is the scapegoat or who takes the blame, but his political intentions are hard to miss in the “dark matter” surrounding the narrator.
As they continue to evolve, Pearl Jam remains a musical force to be reckoned with, and “Dark Matter” only adds to their legacy.
wren tombs
Feature Editor
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