Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: Some 36 years after making an instant impact with their fuzzy debut album, alt rock originals Dinosaur Jr. are still going strong. Sweep It Into Space, the band's first studio album since 2016, is testament to their continued mastery of an art form that they helped to define and refine. All the usual staples of their sound are present and correct - think punchy, tom-heavy drums, alternately scuzzy and attractive guitars and J Masics' instantly identifiable vocals - alongside a seemingly new-found love of indie-pop melancholy and wistful musical arrangements (the latter almost certainly influenced by producer Kurt Vile). In other words, it's a grown-up Dinosaur Jr. album that ticks all of the right boxes.

Review: Indie and alternative rock have changed a lot since the mighty Jr. first hit us with grizzly riffs and Gen X tones. Nevertheless, this is a band that helped change the face of the Western guitar scene back in the late-1980s, and their influence and impact is still felt today. The whole reason the sound of this three piece is so familiar is it helped pave the way for much that has come since.

Sweep It Into Space might be the best reminder of that. Originally pegged for release last year, with Kurt Vile involved, sadly he fell ill and was unable to offer his talent, leaving the original Dinosaur Jr. lineup to do their thing. And do their thing they did. It's lo-fi but powerful, romantic but broken, high-energy but cool, gritty rock music for streets, skateparks and late-night bars and bonfires, and we never want it to end.

Review: When Dinosaur Jr. reunited, more than 20 years after their formation and notorious split, there was concern they might just be rehashing their old hits for nostalgia's sake. However, their 2007 album Beyond decisively dispelled such fears with a powerful Marshall-driven response. Recapturing thepower of their early classicsiDinosaur, You're Living All Over Me, and BugiBeyond reaffirmed their place in rock history, delighting longtime fans and gaining new listeners. Following Beyond came Farm, the original trio's 9th studio album, solidifying that Dinosaur Jr. could still deliver electrifying, timeless rock music. Farm delves into their hallmark elements: soaring, distorted guitars, catchy hooks, and rich melodies. Some tracks evoke the grandeur of 70s guitar epics, while others are perfect for a peaceful retreat with Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Memorable tracks like the nearly seven-minute 'Plans' offer a delightful rock experience, while 'I Don't Wanna Go There' combines bold guitar leads with straightforward delivery reminiscent of James Gang or Humble Pie. This edition of Farm includes four tracks never before pressed to vinyl: 'Houses', 'Whenever You're Ready' (a cover of The Zombies), 'Creepies' (Instrumental), and 'Show'. Recorded at J Mascis' Bisquiteen studio in Amherst, Massachusetts and produced by Mascis himself, Farm encapsulates the dynamic and unique energy of one of America's premier rock bands.