In the latest revelation from Pearl Jam’s guitarist Stone Gossard, the iconic band’s newest album, “Dark Matter,” draws a surprising but fitting inspiration from The Cure. This influence marks a significant point in the band’s evolution, particularly for Gossard, who feels his role as a guitarist has become more pronounced in the creative process.
During a recent discussion, Gossard highlighted how The Cure’s approach to crafting simple, melodic lines that carry a lyrical quality significantly impacted the sound of “Dark Matter.” These influences are evident in tracks like “Waiting For Stevie,” which hints at the stylings of The Cult’s Billy Duffy and Soundgarden, as well as in the Jeff Ament-driven “Won’t Tell” and Eddie Vedder-penned “Wreckage.”
Gossard explains, “The power of the simplest little melody that has a unique lyrical quality can teach you a lot about music.” He emphasizes that these melodies are magical, revealing their presence in ways that feel both inevitable and surprising. According to Gossard, the magic of music is accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical skill on an instrument, which democratizes the creative process.
This new album not only showcases Gossard’s growth as an arranger but also celebrates the collective effort of the band, who brought their individual musical influences to the studio. The nuanced development of the track “Wreckage” at producer Andrew Watt’s studio highlights this collaborative spirit, with subtle elements that nod to The Cure, enhancing the song’s texture and depth.
As “Dark Matter” continues to unravel its layers to listeners and to the band members themselves, it stands as a testament to Pearl Jam’s enduring ability to evolve and draw from a diverse palette of musical inspirations.
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