After the bloated and overproduced Binaural, Pearl Jam delivers with Riot Act, a simpler but polished album.
Riot Act, one of the most successful opuses of the group along with Vitalogy and Yield, is a pure moment of rock artisanship. Continuing on their impetus, Pearl Jam offers a collection of songs where brute energy and emotion are favored, rather than the manufacture of "magic" refrains. Eddie Vedder's voice, sometimes on edge, sometimes vengeful, leads the group, perfectly combining with the asperities of the band's music.
While Pearl Jam have lost none of their rage, like "Cropduster" and "You Are" testify, some of the ballads like "I am Mine", "Thumbing My Way" and "All Or None" with their polyphonic chants make all the nuance of Riot Act. Whatever their style, the songs are directly linked, skinned and without make-up, without every sinking into easiness.
Pearl Jam's artistic rigor has ensured not only their longevity but makes them the last survivor of the grunge era.
Pearl Jam Riot Act
