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Dinosaur Jr. (Photo by Cara Totman)
For nearly 40 years, Dinosaur Jr. has established a reputation as one of the best, most innovative alternative rock bands — and one of the loudest. On Tuesday evening, they lived up to that reputation when they appeared at a sold-out 9:30 Club, with Chicago guitarist Ryley Walker opening.
Dinosaur Jr. (Photo by Cara Totman)
Dinosaur Jr. return with Sweep It Into Space, their new album out April 23 on Jagjaguwar, and a new single, “I Ran Away.”
J Mascis performs at City Winery on Dec. 5, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
J Mascis blurred the line between acoustic and electronic performance in a recent performance at City Winery. J played an acoustic guitar, but he used extensive effects, such as distortion and looping for an exciting evening of guitar rock.
J Mascis (Photo by Cara Totman)
Guitarist J Mascis began making music with Dinosaur Jr. While the trio remains active, J Mascis, born Joseph Donald Mascis, has been going solo more often lately, recently releasing Elastic Days, his third full-length solo album, via Sub Pop Records. He’s taking the opportunity to tour, and he’ll perform at City Winery in DC on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
J Mascis performs with Dinosaur Jr. at Best Kept Secret Festival on June 18, 2016. (Photo by Kmeron)
Dinosaur Jr. took the stage in front of a sold-out 9:30 Club on Thursday night. Two hours later, I sat in my car and could hardly hear anything over the ringing in my ears. This is not a bad thing (although I have rethought my stance on wearing ear-plugs) because it was a result of J Mascis’ roaring guitar solos!
J’s Jazzmaster screamed as Emmett Jefferson “Murph” Murphy III (drums) and Lou Barlow (bass) provided a heavy and steady rhythm foundation. I had read about J’s ability on the guitar and seeing it for myself backed up everything I read. It’s no surprise Rolling Stone ranked him 86th on their list of 100 greatest guitarists.
Dinosaur Jr. (Photo by Levi Walton)
Dinosaur Jr. have had a roller coaster ride of a journey leading to their most recent album, “Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not,” released on August 5th through independent record label Jagjaguwar.
Dinosaur Jr. was formed in the mid-80s with lead singer and guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, and drummer Emmett Jefferson “Murph” Murphy III. Tensions grew as they often do in bands and after three albums Lou Barlow left the band, followed a few years later by Murph.
Fast forward and the original lineup is back together and touring again. In 2009, the rock trio signed with Jagjaguwar and has since released three albums, including their latest, which they are currently on tour promoting.
The tour kicked off on August 12th and will soon be coming through the Nation’s Capital. Dinosaur Jr. will perform Thursday, September 8th at the 9:30 Club with doors opening at 7:00 PM.
“Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not” has already been received warmly and it is pretty clear that Dinosaur Jr. is not some ’80s band holding on by a thread; these guys are at the top of their game… still!
“After more than 30 years, it’s thrilling that Dinosaur Jr. are continuing to hit the festival circuit and making more fans each go-around. The fact that they’re still making new music worth hearing is another reward entirely,” said Consequence of Sound.
Check out a few of the singles from Dinosaur Jr.’s latest album below on YouTube:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2znCWvYiOfI&w=640&h=360]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwa3DO5_irM]
Even if you have never heard of Dinosaur Jr. before now, if you enjoy rock n’ roll and sweet guitar solos, stop by the 9:30 Club on September 8th. We just don’t get chances to see bands like this very much anymore. I hope to see you there.
Cleveland noise pop trio Cloud Nothings open for Dinosaur Jr. Tickets are available online!
Dinosaur Jr.
w/ Cloud Nothings
9:30 Club
Thursday, Sept. 8
Doors @7pm
$30
All ages