Rock legends Dinosaur Jr. have never stopped writing and recording - their first release in 1985 (under their original name ‘Dinosaur’), and releasing music throughout the 90s, and now into the 2020’s; their sound has still remained unmistakably meaningful and their own. Both new singles released this year have been penned by the band’s bassist Lou Barlow as the band readies the world for the release of their new album ‘There Near’.

‘Blowin' Up’ sounds fuzzy, not unlike their older work but distinctly earthier. The lyrics are an obvious point towards the world around us today, particularly Donald Trump’s current presidential reign: “You want to see blood and guts / Come on”; it is clear that Barlow isn’t one to beat around the bush. Political protest is very familiar to Dinosaur Jr., and with lines such as “Nothing quite as bad as a bored edge lord / The dreaming and the scheming get so dark”, one wonders if many can do it better.  

Sadly, this lyrical class act may sweep over the head of the individual it is intended for, as the band anticipates, “You're about as dumb as they come / Telling stupid stories everyday”. The tempo is fittingly slow and serious, leaning more toward the melancholic side of their discography. The song feels unmistakably American, reminiscent of a classic country ballad, which helps the lyricism to stand out louder and jolt the listener awake. The Massachusetts-born band have a clear distaste for the actions of their country’s government, and decide to realise it in their native sound to ensure the message is heard at home. 

This is a political anthem about current affairs that many people will resonate with deeply, even outside the States. It captures the tired rage held in the world and encapsulates it in an elegant set of concise lyrics and melody.

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