Music Review: Dinosaur Jr mellows in middle age on ‘Farm,’ 2nd new disc from original lineup

Music Review: Dinosaur Jr mellows in middle age

Dinosaur Jr., “Farm” (Jagjaguwar)

Good news: The original lineup of Dinosaur Jr. has a new album out.

Not so good news: “Farm” sounds like another installment of J Mascis and friends.

The great thing about the revival of one of indie rock’s touchstone bands is the chance for guitarist Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph to spontaneously combust with another album like “You’re Living All Over Me,” the molten lava middle album of the three the original lineup put out in the 1980s.

“Farm” is not that album. The band’s latest is as close to mellow as Mascis is ever likely to get. Acting as producer, Mascis has things going just the way he likes. Barlow and Murph act like a platform from which Mascis launches several extended guitar solos and inspired noodling.

There are some great moments here. Mascis’ lazy delivery on “Ocean in the Way,” his playful guitar intro on “Over It,” the drama of “There’s No Here” and the sugary sweet melody of “See You.”

But overall, the album sounds a lot like Mascis’ work post-breakup. And that’s a wasted opportunity.

The most energetic moment on “Farm” comes in “Your Weather,” one of two songs penned by Barlow. It’s a reminder of how much energy the band once had, and may yet reclaim.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Mascis’ gift is that he can break your heart while he’s blowing you mind, something he accomplishes on the melancholy “Said the People” with it’s plaintive chorus, soaring guitars, unexpected keyboards and patient delivery.