PEARL JAM
Dark Matter (Monkeywrench)
It’s easy to see why frontman Eddie Vedder is calling Dark Matter Pearl Jam’s best album ever. It’s not, but that’s not to say it isn’t great. What’s more accurate – and maybe more of a compliment – is to say this is the best album Pearl Jam could possibly make right now.
With 2020’s Gigaton, they tried (and largely succeeded) in capturing the feel and pace of the Seattle rockers’ live shows; now, with Dark Matter, Pearl Jam have managed to encapsulate their entire recording career on one album of strong new songs.
If you’re a fan of Vs or Vitalogy, Yield or Lightning Bolt you’ll find something to enjoy on here. And even if it never quite reaches the heights of era-defining debut Ten, it’s impossible to deny the confidence and assurance behind the performances. It may not be their best ever, but Dark Matter is Pearl Jam at their best – all their bests.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES