Dinosaur Jr : "There Near"

One thing I have noticed about the modern era for this band is that there is less of a moody grunge noise and more of an upbeat jangling element to the guitars..Undoubtedly influential when it comes to post-hardcore and modern indie rock. "No Friends" finds the jangle given more rock context andd the vocals carrying a hint of melancholy; some of the riffing brings Neil Young to mind. This album carries a warmer, more organic sound than most of their previous material, with "Everything at Once" representing more of their classic sound and serving as one of this album's best songs it brings the introspective melancholy and melody I want from these guys.

There is more of a rowdy rock clanging to "Take Me With You". the layered guitar sounds balance this one out. 'Blowin' Up" is more deliberate. The vocals take the spot lightliek they are once again ready to take their place on 90s rock radio. Lyrically, it is also interesting. "Gone Off" is more up-tempo, but not as immersive as the previous song. First song that almost feels more like filler, though it is a decent song for what it is; they have already raised the bar pretty high for themselves here. 'Clam Along" finds the more straightforward rock elements falling in place more naturally. 

"Walk Me Back'works really well at staying true to the ghost of their classic sound. "Read the Room"has the vibe of fumbling along like a 90s slacker."Put It Down made me think I had clicked somewhere else in my iTunes, and it was one of the 80s metal bands doing a ballad. One of the album's most melodic songs, though a bit out of character. They pick up the tempo a little into more of a country strum for the last song. I will give it a 9.5 for now, as I am sure it will grow on me. They don't have to prove they know how to write a s ong but did anyway.