J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph have issued more Dinosaur Jr. albums since they reunited in 2006 – a miraculous indie rock reconciliation rivaled only by the Pixies’ victory lap a few years prior – than they did in their first genre-defining go-around. August’s There Near, the alt rock titans’ 13th album overall and sixth since their most beloved lineup reconvened, doesn’t rage like You’re Living All Over Me or moan like Bug. Mascis’ guitar still soars when he rips those squalling, singular solos, but in their newfound harmony, the trio mostly prefers to mosey, unfurling their leisurely melodies like the stoner Mascis never was. You’ll still need earplugs when you see them live, though. – Carys Anderson
