J Mascis – What Do We Do Now – Album Review
by Killian Laher

It’s an album title that reflects the general bemused demeanour of J Mascis for his fifth solo album.  Here Mascis is taking time out from Dinosaur Jr to tend to his parallel solo career doing laidback, strumalong rock songs.  In truth, it’s not massively different, although fewer amps are used here by the sounds of things.  It’s fairly enjoyable, Mascis groaning along to some heavy strumming on the likes of Can’t Believe We’re Here.  The title track has a comfortable melody that’s easy on the ear, though here and elsewhere on the album, it’s in danger of veering into blandness.  Despite the heavy acoustic guitar presence, there is room for electric soloing on most tracks.

At times there is a distinct country influence, especially with the steel guitar on You Don’t Understand Me.  It’s True is one of the more anthemic moments, with a fine guitar solo midway through.  It’s all good-humoured upbeat stuff but it all sounds like one long song!  Even the most ardent Dinosaur Jr fan is not going to get too worked up about this.  The album ultimately is not gonna really stick with you and you definitely miss the massive Marshall-enhanced Dinosaur Jr riffs.

Can’t Believe We’re Here