I Bet on Sky marks the third studio album (following 2007’s Beyond and 2009’s Farm) since the original Dinosaur Jr. lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph reconvened, and it is another solid set of head-bobbing songs that combine their signature grinding melodic guitars and bass, driving rhythms and Mascis’ murky vocals. All-in-all, the songs on I Bet on Sky are more varied than the past two albums and much more aggressive, taking cues from punk rock’s energy and confrontational nature. Standouts include the slacker rock anthem and album opener “Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know” complete with swirling, discordant organs shifting beneath particularly woozy Mascis vocals, as well as “Watch the Corners”, “Almost Fare” and “Stick a Toe In.” If you are a long time Dinosaur Jr. fan like me, you should definitely check out I Bet on Sky. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Built to Spill, J. Mascis, Pavement, Sebadoh, Sonic Youth, Superchunk