<p><span><span><span>- Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall-of-Famers Pearl Jam have released their first album in seven years. In a legendary career entering its fourth decade, Pearl Jam’s <em>Gigaton</em> marks the eleventh album in the band’s existence. A -previously- famously prolific outfit, Pearl Jam had a quiet decade in the 2010’s, releasing only one album, 2013’s <em>Lightning Bolt</em>. However, if any band can be excused for inactivity it’s Pearl Jam. Making six classic records in their first decade, they're are renowned for consistently making great albums that expand their musical horizons. Having said that, while some subsequent albums have been of similar quality, <em>Gigaton</em> is unfortunately not among them. ...and having said <em>that</em>, it's more about the high benchmark Pearl Jam have created for themselves than the merits of their latest offering.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>One of the reasons why Pearl Jam have been able to keep things fresh since their 1991 debut, is that each member of the quintet is capable of being the catalyst for a song. As a result, their albums are often sporadic, musically, consisting of myriad high-octane punk, anthemic rock, funk-tinged jams and acoustic ballads. <em>Gigaton</em> has that sense of band members pulling the sound in five directions but the lyrics are clearly a more concerted effort. With the subtlety of an elephant in a china shop, frontman <strong>Eddie Vedder</strong> writes unabashedly about global warming and thoroughly chastising the U.S. government in the process. Although this approach comes off as cringe-worthy at the worst of times, it yields greatness at its best, like on fourth track, <em>Quick Escape</em>. A science fiction adventure about humanity having to abscond Earth and migrate to Mars, it's Pearl Jam at their hard-rocking best. Bolstered by the bass lines of <strong>Jeff Ament</strong> and the iconic guitar soloing of <strong>Mike McCready</strong>, it is a highlight on the album. Another such apex is six-minute epic, <em>Seven O’Clock</em>. Beginning with a <strong>Springsteen</strong>-esque verse, it changes gears with a ritardando into a <strong>Pink Floyd</strong> type chorus before progressing to a grandiose outro. From there, the album ambles along until the final track, <em>River Cross</em> which hits heavy. Led by an ethereal organ, it's a nuanced song, showcasing Vedder’s mellifluous voice. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Although Gigaton is far from the band’s best work, fans will doubtless exalt its existence. Born in the early '90s, Pearl Jam came up being compared to a bevy of bands extolled as the voice of Generation X. With the benefit of hindsight, these comparisons are no longer appropriate. Pearl Jam have outshone their contemporaries with their -forgive <em>this</em> comparison- cockroach-like ability to survive and create iconic rock music. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Despite availing themselves of the opportunity and the luxury to rest on their laurels, Pearl Jam continue to make great music and perform prodigious concerts. As a lifelong fan, I am simply grateful that they are still around. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>- Jon Cloumassis.</span></span></span></p>
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