PEARL James are a Nineties' Seattle grunge act, somewhere towards the lighter end.
This new album has echoes of that style, alongside quieter, more melodic moments as the band has matured, balanced by some of the energy of the newer alt rock.
This is especially reflected in lyrics which are dark but not in the style of the angst-ridden youth that populate alt rock; these are the words of people who have experienced life. The opener Can't Keep has a certain poetry to it, followed by Save You, a song of depths and raw emotions. The later acoustic-led Thumbing My Way is a sigh on a desert wind.
The PJs vent passion and aggression with Wanted To Get It Right, take a political stance with Bush Leaguer, and make a plea for world salvation with Full. Whether Riot Act will compete with the new alt rock acts is debatable, or get the wider recognition it deserves, but this band never were about being commercial. The PJs used to be accused of taking themselves too seriously: now they have good reason to.
Updated: 10:20 Thursday, November 21, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article