J. Mascis & The Fog
Free So Free (2002)

Review by: Matthew Scrivner
Date: 3/14/04

This album proves that the dying embers of a genre bonfire can still burn brightly if stoked. Which implies that this is genre rock, and maybe that’s a bit unfair.

To clarify, for those unfamiliar with J. Mascis, he was a founding member of the band Dinosaur Jr., a band that, arguably, achieved it’s apex during the era of grunge – though arguably the loose, fast, resonant sounds of that band owed more to Emo and Punk than the hair metal that inspired the grunge genre. Truthfully back in those flannel-clad glory days, I myself was never really a Dinosaur Jr. fan; and I am positive there is some die-hard fan out there that will scream at me for calling their beloved band something it isn’t. How else to categorize it?

For the purposes of this review, it doesn’t matter.

What I will say is that Free So Free captures a rich, layered, emotionally powerful rock sound that has all the integrity of the music of the early nineties. This makes it distinct from the bubble-gum nü-rock and schoolyard punk that is currently considered “alternative” music.

Songs of note on the album include “Freedom,” a fast, optimistic tune that is characterized by tight drums, crisp bass, and brilliantly crunchy guitar riffs. Another stand out is the track “Stand Alone,” notable especially for its driving wah-pedal solo.

Overall, there is an honestly, a rock goodness that I have missed these past ten years. Since I don’t own any of Mascis’ previous work, I count myself lucky to have stumbled across this one.