Music / Reviews
Review: Dinosaur Jr, Motion
One of the main contributors to the development of alternative rock, Massachusetts band Dinosaur Jr arrived in Bristol for a sold out gig at Motion. Following major success in the early nineties, the group disbanded in 1997. Fortunately for fans, the original lineup – J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Emmet Murphy – re-formed in 2005, and in June the three-piece band embarked on a world tour.
Entering the main room of Bristol’s superclub, I was hit with stale warmth and crowd enthusiasm. Fans had their feet planted so firmly on the ground it felt intrusive pushing forward. An unintentional human smoke machine filled the room as someone vaped uncontrollably; the anticipation from the massed fans was overwhelming. The band entered the stage, tempting us with an elusive guitar riff, before the crowd erupted with contribution of huge support from the Bristol skate scene. J Mascis muttered a few words of gratitude, before the set kicked off with their classic distorted guitar sound.
Opening with several tracks of their most recent album Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not, the band managed to create a real sense of solidarity between generations, as everyone felt a nostalgic connection to their music. Proving that old rockers are the best, Mascis’ boiling guitar solos and Barlow’s Zeppelin-like stage moves forced everyone into a headbanging and totally immersed state.
is needed now More than ever
Feel the Pain boosted the energy levels in the room, and their performance of Freak Scene gave rebirth to the crowd’s inner youthful angst. Another highlight was the closing Just Like Heaven, their classic Cure cover from 1987. Murphy teased us with complex drum rhythms between songs, and each subtly familiar chord progression reminded the audience of their experiences discovering the rebellious roar of rock music.
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