On the title track of What Do We Do Now, the new album from J Mascis, the Dinosaur Jr. frontman sounds vulnerable and downright emotional. The fiery guitar is still here, but there's enough heart in this number to sort of surprise. This time out, the usual comparisons to Neil Young may be to Neil's emotive delivery rather than guitar, you know?
"Right Behind You" is one of many selections here that sort of lumbers into view, with the lopsided hook being wrangled, as we listen along, by J and his crew. "Can't Believe We're Here" favors a more direct approach, though I guess it's fair to state that lots and lots of this record is wildly accessible. "You Don't Understand Me" adds a bit of twang to the Mascis arsenal, with this composition retaining a kind of country slouch that's not entirely unlike early Seventies Stones. You half expect to hear a Nicky Hopkins piano-line here.
While J Mascis plays nearly everything on What Do We Do Now, there's piano by Ken Maiuri (The Fawns) and pedal steel by Mathew "Doc" Dunn. Their work here adds nuance to the usual Mascis vibe. "I Can't Find You", another gme, has an undercurrent of unease, even as the tune breaks open in spots for impassioned (in a fashion) vocals from Mascis. Throughout What Do We Do Now, there's a directness in approach that's refreshing. While there's enough guitar here to please the folks who've been around since Bug, there's also plenty of warmth here too. Those factors combine to make What Do We Do Now one of the best, most accessible J Mascis records in ages.
What Do We Do Now by J Mascis is out now via Sub Pop.
[Photo: Jeffrey Fowler]