J Mascis, Lou Barlow And Murphy they need no introduction, they are simply one of the greatest rock bands around since the 80s, celebrated and adored by the greatest artists of the last 40 years and loved by all generations of indie and alternative fans to follow.
The director of the video, Guy, says: “I wanted to make something ironic, with a 'backyard movie' aesthetic, which fit well into the tradition of Dinosaur Jr.'s video clips. The first inspiration came from a painting by Henry Darger, with children terrorized by two enormous floating hands of fire. Then I started thinking about the biblical rapture, and everything took shape. The kids were very helpful and for me it was an honor to chase them around a field with the camera like a madman. We were on a very tight deadline, so I had to learn a lot of VFX techniques in one weekend, but I'm satisfied with the result.”
'There Near' is the sixth studio album recorded by Dinosaur Jr. in the last twenty years, following their artistic rebirth. There has been no shortage of live albums and collections in recent years, but nothing replaces the impact of a new record: 'There Near' arrives with all levels set to “Extra Crispy”.
The album was recorded in short and intense sessions over a year at the Bisquiteen Studio in Amherst, almost entirely by the historic trio: Murph on drums, Lou Barlow on bass and vocals, J Mascis guitar and vocals, with the addition of piano and organ by local musician Ken Mauri.
The sound of the guitar J it's even more animalistic than usual, also thanks to the use of a recently purchased 1970s Mesa Boogie MK 1. Mascis says: “I bought the same amp that Chris Dixon used when we recorded the first album. It has a particular sound that I hadn't gotten in a while, and I wanted to find it again. The MK 1 has a beefed-up Fender character. I gave myself the advice that Rick Rubin always gives to bands: listen to the first record again and go back to that sound.”
On writing lyrics, Mascis adds: “I don't always know what a song is about when I'm writing it. The meaning comes on its own. I use the words that work, often influenced by what I'm reading at the time. I don't think about it too much. I find it a bit sad that Spotify shows all the lyrics – where's the fun in that?”
'There Near' continues the series of albums now considered classics of the band. The new songs promise to be devastating live, alongside their historic riffs. While waiting to see them on stage, 'There Near' will be a constant companion. The closer, the better.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
