Pearl Jam, the Seattle veterans synonymous with the grunge movement of the early 90s, have released their twelfth studio album, Dark Matter. Produced by Grammy award-winning Andrew Watt (known for his work with artists like Dua Lipa and Post Malone), Dark Matter marks a return to the band’s signature grunge sound while showcasing their enduring lyrical prowess.
Following a four-year hiatus since their last studio album, Gigaton (2020), Pearl Jam wastes absolutely no time reigniting their grunge fire on Dark Matter’s opening track, “Reanimated.” Eddie Vedder’s vocals shine with raw emotion as Matt Cameron’s drums pound out a classic 2 and 4 backbeat, instantly transporting listeners back to the era of red and black flannel button ups and mosh pits.
Unpacking the Tracks
The album isn’t all breakneck tempos and angst-ridden lyrics. Tracks like “Lost in Plastic” showcase the band’s ability to craft introspective ballads, while “Try Again” features soaring vocals and a hopeful message. However, it’s the heavier tracks, like “Just Breathe” and “Superblood,” that stand out. These songs harken back to Pearl Jam’s early sound, with fuzzed-out (ala Fender’s signature Hammertone™ pedals) guitars and Eddie Vedder’s characteristic wail.
Lyrically, Dark Matter is a delicious cocktail of social commentary and personal reflection. Vedder tackles themes of environmental destruction (“Lost in Plastic”), political disillusionment (“Superblood”), and the human condition (“Just Breathe”) with his usual poetic intensity.
Pearl Jam’s “Dark Matter” shimmers with a complex emotional palette. Let’s delve into three key songs to illuminate their sonic landscapes:
1. Wreckage:
Wreckage establishes itself in a driving G major alternating between the I and iii, a fairly atypical chord progression. However, the mid-range gallop creates a fascinating amount of harmonic tension. The verses are punctuated by perpetual guitar riffs that build anticipation, while the chorus (sorta) explodes with a cathartic release. This interplay mirrors the lyrics that grapple with the aftermath of destruction but yearn for hope. Clean, palm-muted guitar chords paint a picture of wreckage, while Eddie Vedder’s vocals soothe the listener like a warm searchlight enveloping a cave. This interplay creates a powerful sonic metaphor for navigating the remains of something broken.
2. Won’t Tell:
A melancholic G♯ minor key casts a shadow over Won’t Tell. The slow, deliberate tempo (roughly 70 bpm) feels like a weary sigh, echoing the resignation in the lyrics. Won’t Tell utilizes a more unconventional structure. It lulls the listener with a repetitive, almost hypnotic melody, punctuated by sparse synth chords and Vedder’s hushed vocals in the B section.
This creates a dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the protagonist’s struggle to confront a painful truth. The minimalist instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage. Phrases like “Her dressing gown and nothing else but a secret grin” and “Can you feel the chains in my heart?” paint a picture of emotional burdens that feel inescapable.
As the song fades out, we hear that the key has now modulated to the relative major. The closing lyrics, “Can you feel?” and “Can you heal?” gain new meaning with this key change. The major key suggests a possibility for positive change or a glimmer of hope.
Is the narrator asking if there’s a chance to feel something more, to heal a relationship, or to break free from emotional barriers? As “Won’t Tell” reaches its conclusion, a soft B major triad rings out. A quiet optimism shimmers from this unassuming final chord, a testament to the song’s simple yet effective ending.
3. Upper Hand:
Upper Hand starts with a hypnotic, almost Pink Floyd-esque atonal cascade of sound (think Atom Heart Mother Suite). The tempo is initially slow, deliberate, uneasy, and out of time. After over a minute of this atonal prelude, the song establishes itself in A major with a gentle, almost ballad-like feel. This shift reflects the lyrical themes of losing control and confronting inner demons. The sonic chaos mirrors the protagonist’s descent into turmoil.
The distorted guitars of Mike McCready wail, not like a banshee, rather like a proclamation of victory. This intense soundscape creates a visceral experience of mental anguish. The song progresses, revealing Pearl Jam’s signature sound: a sonic cocktail of driving classic rock riffs, soulful blues licks, and raw punk energy.
These three songs showcase the rich tapestry of sound and emotion that “Dark Matter” offers. By analyzing the key, tempo, form, and imagery, we gain a deeper appreciation for Pearl Jam’s ability to translate complex feelings into powerful sonic experiences.
Pearl Jam’s Apple Music Interview
Guitarist Mike McCready ponders the ever-evolving creative process in the music industry. In an Apple Music interview, McCready highlights the delicate balance between external influences and artistic intuition, noting the band’s long career has exposed them to both critical acclaim and “records…not critically acclaimed.”
He reflects on the enduring power of music, suggesting some songs resonate most deeply years after their release. McCready concludes with the evocative phrase, “it’s all a little smudgy,” capturing the nuanced and unpredictable nature of music’s impact.
The album has received generally positive reviews, with a score of 81 out of 100 on Metacritic [Wikipedia]. Publications like Ultimate Classic Rock hail it as their “most satisfying album since the 90s” while others acknowledge its strengths while calling it a “solid” addition to their later work [Wikipedia, Pitchfork].
Veteran rockers Pearl Jam took a different path with their latest release, “Dark Matter,” compared to Linkin Park’s explosive “Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)” (read more here). Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready emphasizes a balance between following their gut and external influences, resulting in a more introspective and nuanced sound on “Dark Matter.” Reviews suggest it might be a grower, with hidden gems emerging over time.
Linkin Park’s “Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)” on the other hand, dials up the intensity. This remastered edition celebrates the raw energy and angst that propelled the band to fame. It’s a full-frontal assault of nu-metal aggression, perfect for those seeking a potent adrenaline rush.
While both albums represent significant works from their respective bands, they cater to different moods. “Dark Matter” invites contemplation, while “Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)” ignites a fire.
Pearl Jam may not be the young, angry band they (maybe) once were, Dark Matter proves that they haven’t lost their touch. This album is a powerful reminder of why they remain one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
