Binaural

iTunes Review

With new drummer, ex-Soundgarden skinman Matt Cameron behind the kit, Pearl Jam attacked their sixth studio album with extra velocity. While the group has always insisted on layering their hard rock approach with careful subtleties that help distinguish them from the crowd, they rarely let their pure adrenaline carry the weight. But tracks such as “God’s Dice,” “Evacuation,” and “Grievance“ throw themselves into the fire with little hesitation. For moments of greater introspection and trepidation, one needs to turn to Eddie Vedder’s quieter moments, like “Light Years” where his quavering uncertainties vibrate with strong, emotive force or “Soon Forget” where he’s joined by ukulele. Though Pearl Jam were once the biggest hard rock band in the world, they never comfortably accepted the title and it’s that reticence that’s made their albums such deep and worthy explorations. With producer Tchad Blake holding things together with his “binaural” recording technique where he places two microphones in the room to replicate a listener’s hearing experience, Binaural is a captivating recording of a solid, seasoned band in a room with some fine songs to boot.