Seattle grunge veterans Pearl Jam offered a sneak peek at their upcoming 12th studio album, rumoured to be titled Dark Matter, during an intimate listening session for invited guests at the legendary Troubadour club in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 31st. While details remain scarce, the band, joined by producer Andrew Watt, hinted at a diverse record ranging from powerful rockers to introspective ballads.
Fronted by the ever-expressive Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam unveiled a project that promises a return to form, blending familiar elements with fresh explorations. “No hyperbole,” declared Vedder, ever the passionate frontman, “I think this is our best work.” The claim, while subjective, was echoed by bassist Jeff Ament, who visibly moved, spoke of the album-making experience as “profound.”
Fans can expect the band’s signature sonic assault, with Matt Cameron’s drumming prowess and Mike McCready’s scorching guitar solos taking center stage. Several tracks reportedly channel the late Tom Petty’s chiming melodies, while others evoke the introspective spirit of Pearl Jam classics like “Parachutes” and “All Those Yesterdays.” Lyrically, Vedder delves into themes of human connection, aging, the struggles of parenthood, and the anxieties of a turbulent world.
A fan posted on the Ten Club board, “It was definitely hard rocking and punky (aside from maybe 3 songs that were mid-tempp (like, Better Man). Hard to tell with that sound system, drums may have been compressed, but BOTH Matt AND MIKE were AMAZING.”
The album, produced by Watt – who helmed Vedder’s solo effort “Earthling” – was born out of jam sessions at Watt’s Beverly Hills studio. Interestingly, the band initially arrived instrument-less, emphasizing a collaborative, open-ended approach. Recording later shifted to Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La Studios after Watt’s space succumbed to flooding. “That place had a vibe,” Vedder remarked.
The Troubadour setting resonated deeply with Vedder, who recalled their early 1991 gig there, just as their debut “Ten” was gaining momentum. He humorously recounted their horror at finding the club plastered with promotional material, which they promptly ripped down, much to the record label’s dismay. “I want to apologize to them,” he said with a chuckle, “Thanks for sticking with us.”
With a new album on the horizon, Pearl Jam is poised to hit the road again. Announcements for their 2024 tour, following previously confirmed shows in the US and Europe, are expected soon. While specifics remain under wraps, one thing is clear: Pearl Jam is ready to unleash a new chapter, and based on their confident assertions, it might just be their strongest yet.
Photo – Steve Gerrard
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