Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam

THE REVIEW

Pearl Jam. Self-titled for the group's latest effort.

At least two interpretations: affirmation of their own identity, echoed in the lyrics (What I choose to be is what I am/ I will not lose my faith, "Inside Job"), or a sign of lack of creative spark.

I rule out the latter right from the start as I open the album, anticipating the listening. It starts well (a guitar in a single channel to announce the first riff), and a very energetic track, "Life Wasted." Energy that remains there, glued to the punk passions of our folks until the third track, without variations in tone. Then something happens. After seven glorious (in my opinion) albums, I hear the first riff that I really don't like. And they build "Severed Hand," the fourth track, on it. The album stays there. I wait like a child for the arrival of a single like "Light Years" that will melt my nerves and stimulate the glands, in vain.

"Parachutes," acoustic, is almost a stylistic exercise; it reminds me of how 'Riot Act' closes, with an "All Or None" that catapults you alone in the middle of the street in the rain. Another story.
I get annoyed - what the hell are these changes? when does this riff end? - on the first listen I don't make it to the end, not even with the booklet in hand: I read the lyrics pleased, the themes are those of recent years, against wars, optimistic (Having tasted/a life wasted/I'm never going back again), deep (almost cryptic, as Eddie likes it).
But the rest does not hold up. I call my friend Genesio, "Have you heard it?... yes, first listen, too soon... we'll talk later..." Worried.

Subsequent listens unfortunately confirm everything. Riffs repeated until there's no choice but to change, changes that seem not "felt," poorly thought out; all the solutions leave you perplexed, not to say annoyed. The vocal lines are typical Vedder, it's almost a shame I'm used to them, it would have been the only surprise of beauty.
Pearl Jam is certainly not innovators; neither the style, nor the artistic solutions (perhaps only the packaging artwork), nor the recording of the albums. It's their passion that infects, that makes them one of the best bands in activity.

The passion in this latest release never excites, but it will guarantee us a great sweat in the live performances in September in Italy.