Music / rock
Review: Dinosaur Jr, SWX
Dinosaur Jr have sealed themselves as titans in the world of alternative rock over the years. Their sprawling, distinctive and beautiful sounds have always been underpinned by noise – and tonight their following are out in force to hear such delights.
It’s the band’s second visit to the city since their most recent studio album Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not, offering a welcome chance for those who missed out on their last sold out show at Motion. The night proves to be everything we expect: J Mascis and co never deliver the most thrilling or animated live shows, instead they simply stand, play and dazzle with the strength of their music alone.
It’s an incredibly wholesome affair as they coast through tracks from then and now like Goin Down and Feel The Pain. For some reason the air is tinged with celebration, there’s little chit-chat though and it feels like the band are very much here to do a job. You can’t help but smile at the guitar flourishes and solos that Mascis’ tears out though, surrounded by his signature stack of Marshal amps.
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There’s a sense of chaos amongst the crowd as era defining numbers like Freak Scene ripple through the venue. It’s all too easy to slosh your expensive pints and soak up the wholesome numbers they’ve come packing. Glancing around the room it’s evident just how much this band have come to mean to people. Their songs offer both a sense of escapism and togetherness.
Tonight it’s all too easy to see why Dinosaur Jr can place themselves alongside names like Sonic Youth and Fugazi in having established and shaped the American indie underground. Though their set didn’t differ from their last visit to the city with much magnitude, it certainly wouldn’t stop me from leaping on the chance to see them again.
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