With Pearl Jam experiencing a renaissance of late — aided by
2006’s eponymous return to form and a well-deserved live reputation
— the group is moving forward with its loosest album to date; at
36 minutes, Backspacer is certainly the group’s shortest effort.
A renewed working relationship with producer Brendan O’Brien (back for
the first time since 1998’s Yield) and the album’s status as the
group’s first independent release (on their own Monkeywrench Records)
add to Backspacer‘s rugged charm.
The album blazes through its opening trio, establishing a tone:
“Gonna See My Friend” is the skuzzy bastard child of the Ramones and
early Who; “Got Some” thrills with squeaky guitars and commanding drum
flourishes; and “The Fixer” is quintessential Pearl Jam, soaring on
Eddie Vedder’s visceral growl and wide guitar hooks.
Occasionally, O’Brien’s additions are bothersome. “Just Breathe” is
a lovely tune with faint organ hums and gently plucked guitars, but its
sweeping strings feel a bit overdone. Similarly, the slight closer “The
End” also overreaches with its atmospheric embellishments to
near-maudlin effect. Luckily, Vedder’s lyrics still masterfully elicit
human emotion.
As always, it’s about the anthem with Pearl Jam. To that end, we
have the exhilarating “Unthought Known.” Starting with muted guitar
strums and Vedder’s tremulous singing, the song then incorporates
plinking piano before bursting forth on a musical crescendo led by
Vedder’s guttural yelps.
Backspacer is most impressive for not making concessions: As
it’s been for nearly twenty years, it’s a Pearl Jam album.
(Monkeywrench)
