Album Review
Dinosaur Jr - Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not
3 StarsBeloved veterans Dinosaur Jr don’t move into unknown territory on their new album, but there are still some precious moments.
With a title like ‘Give A Glimpse of What Yer Not,’ you might expect Dinosaur Jr to be moving into unknown territory with their eleventh album. It’s not totally out of the question, especially considering that J Mascis’ last solo album in 2014 saw him turning down the volume. Really though, it’s probably an ironic title. Even on opener ‘Goin’ Down’ Mascis sings “I’ve got more of the same/ I’ve got more of who you know.” This is eleven tracks of Dinosaur Jr doing what Dinosaur Jr do best: fuzzy, classic rock.
Surprisingly, despite sticking tightly to the well-worn formula, none of the tracks here feel too similar. Sure, there’s a distinctive, driving, scuzzy quality to the opening trilogy of ‘Goin Down,’ ‘Tiny’ and ‘Be A Part’ but you never feel like you’re listening to the same song. The most euphoric instances come when Mascis just decides to shred. When he lets a thunderous guitar solo loose on ‘Good to Know’ it’s a genuinely thrilling moment. Elsewhere, ‘I Walk For Miles’ contains some grungy, heavy riffs that breaks up the fuzz nicely. Things do get quite plodding in the album’s second half, where everything becomes a little bit too one-paced. However, even here there are a few memorable moments, such as the hectic, clashing climax of ‘Knocked Around.’
There’s little here that will convert Dinosaur Jr sceptics. But for those who enjoy their nostalgic licks, ‘Give A Glimpse of What Yer Not’ is a pretty satisfying addition to their back-catalogue.
Read More
Dinosaur Jr to tour to celebrate 30 years of ‘Where You Been’
The band will play four dates in London and seven dates in Brooklyn.
23rd May 2023, 5:35pm
Dinosaur Jr - Sweep It Into Space
3-5 Stars
There’s life in these old veterans yet.
22nd April 2021, 7:55am
Dinosaur Jr. share new single ‘Take It Back’
It comes ahead of the release of their new album 'Sweep It Into Space'.
21st April 2021, 12:00am
Dinosaur Jr. release new track ‘Garden’
Their new album 'Sweep It Into Space' arrives next month!
31st March 2021, 12:00am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.