Dinosaur Jr. is back, and they’re bringing a carefully tuned vintage sound with their 13th album, There Near. After a five-year hiatus, the band is set to release their latest work on August 28 via Jagjaguwar, marking a return that feels both deeply personal and instantly familiar.
The new record isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a sonic journey rooted in nostalgia. J Mascis, one of the band’s core members, reflected on the production process, noting how he chased a specific tone. He brought back an old Mesa Boogie MK1 amp for recording, emphasizing that the sound achieved was reminiscent of the classic rock era. Mascis pointed out that the MK1 possesses a unique “souped-up Fender sound,” reflecting the influence of classic rock history—tracing the lineage from The Stones to subsequent bands who adopted similar vintage tones.
This commitment to vintage texture extended beyond the equipment and into their visual storytelling. The lead single, Several Got Away, is accompanied by a video that channels a distinct, raw aesthetic. Director Guy Kozak described the inspiration as blending surreal imagery—drawing from Henry Darger’s art—with themes of the rapture. The result was a kind of tongue-in-cheek, backyard movie feel, where the band chased figures across a field with their camera like a phantom.
The tracklist for There Near is packed with the familiar yet fresh energy of Dinosaur Jr., featuring tracks like Several Got Away, No Friends, Everything At Once, and Blowin’ Up. It offers a dense, engaging experience for longtime fans while inviting new listeners into the band’s established, compelling world.
As the album drops, Dinosaur Jr. is hitting the road with a high-energy tour schedule this summer. They are set to perform Where You Been in full with Band of Horses, alongside the epic track Everything All the Time. This collaboration promises a rich musical pairing for their live performances.
The band is also gearing up for an equally exciting fall run, announcing headline dates that feature special guest Stef Chura opening. The momentum continues as they tour through cities like Kingston, NY, New Haven, CT, and across the country in late autumn.
The extensive tour schedule shows a commitment to connecting with audiences wherever they are. From July dates in New York and Connecticut to a packed slate of shows in states like Georgia, Minnesota, and Texas, Dinosaur Jr.’s journey is far from over, continuing to deliver their signature blend of indie rock grit and vintage warmth.
There Near includes the following songs:
1. Several Got Away
2. No Friends
3. Everything At Once
4. Take Me With You
5. Blowin’ Up
6. Gone Off
7. Clam Along
8. Walk Me Back
9. Read The Room
10. Put It Down
11. No One’s Ready
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Credit: BrooklynVegan
