The last Dinosaur Jr. album released was Hand It Over in 1997. But by that point, Dinosaur Jr. had become more of a pseudonym for frontman J Mascis than and actual band - something perhaps reflected in the close-to-non-existent chart positions both here and in the US.

So, it’s probably safe to say, the first Dinosaur Jr. album for ten years is not what people are getting excited about. No, what people are getting excited about is the return of the rest of the original line-up - bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Emmett “Murph” Murphy - making this the first Dinosaur Jr. album featuring the original line-up in eighteen years.

Let’s sidestep the debate over whether Mascis and Barlow like each other again (doubtful) and the motivation for this project is monetary (almost certainly) for now. Neither of these things matter when you let Beyond leap out of your speakers.

The album almost completely wipes away nearly twenty years of Dinosaur Jr. history. The fuzzy guitars and lazy drawl that influenced so many late eighties/early nineties alternative rock bands (you might call it grunge) almost staggers into the room, only kept from descending into uncontrolled noise by the solid rhythm section either side.

No, it’s not a progression, but is that what you wanted?

Label: PIAS
Website: www.dinosaurjr.com
Release date: 30th April 2007

Tracklist:

1. Almost Ready
2. Crumble
3. Pick Me Up
4. Back To Your Heart
5. This Is All I Came To Do
6. Been There All The Time
7. It’s Me
8. We’re Not Alone
9. I Got Lost
10. Lightning Bulb
11. What If I Knew