Dinosaur(s); a name that expresses unimaginable power, although belonging to a creature that no longer exists in this world. It’s something so big and legendary, that the world seems unable to relegate it in the past and keeps looking for bones, clues, making movies and wondering how today’s world would face such magnitude. Shall it ever set its big paw on Earth again?

Dinosaur Jr however are physically not as big, as the suffix “JR” suggests, yet just as powerful and eternal. Like its biggest namesake, Dinosaur Jr seemed to have dropped from the face of Earth at some point, sadly erased by some evil form of music evolution and internal degenerating disease. The world kept listening to old records, parents telling their kids tales about them, fantasising of a comeback.

Luckily, Dinosaur(s) remain creatures of the past populating our imagination and museums. Even more luckily, Dinosaur Jr made it back into reality. With all their break-ups and soap-like history, nobody would have bet a dollar on iconic J. Mascis, Barlow and Murph hitting the stage together again. Even after their reunion in 2005, surely nobody would have bet a penny on them delivering a masterpiece like “Farm.”


What I’m witnessing tonight is the perfect blend of old and new. It is quality musicianship with a smile and it is everything you want in a gig. The only thing slightly spoiling the show is a sound system not able (or not wisely set) to handle Mascis’ dominant guitar riffs, so the audience has to put up with some exaggerated unpleasant distortions and the vocals are often lost in the mix. On one side, the fact that regardless this is still a tremendous gig shows how damn good Dinosaur Jr are; on the other, you can’t help wondering how amazing this would have been with some more effort in the sound department.

Dinosaur Jr start slow, romantic and nostalgic with old seventies tinted ballad 'Thumb,' followed by 'I want you to know' from recent resurrection album “Farm,” a more contemporary sound with a sprinkle of good quality indie, and feel good pop rock 'Been there all the time.' Back to “Farm” with 'Imagination Blind,' Dinosaur Jr prove once again to be timeless rather than old. 'Get me' is an amazing heart warming ballad from their older repertoire which most of today’s acts could only dream of writing, but we’re in no danger of falling asleep. 'Pieces' hits the audience with a memorable R.E.M. inspired hook, then 'Plans,' starts disguised as a ballad to gently take your hand and lead you on a country pub’s dance floor, while a headbanger in the corner who had one too many beers plays air guitar to its catchy riff. Next is the excellent 'Feel the Pain,' one of my favourites, followed by yet another gem from “Farm,” brilliant pop rock anthem 'Over it'.

'Back to your Heart' and old classic 'The Wagon' take us closer to curfew time, but not without the audience’s favourite 'Freak Scene.' 'I don’t wanna go there' from “Farm” completes tonight’s set list, highlighting again how thin the line is between old and new for a band that seems to escape the notion of time. From seventies rock to modern indie, from grunge to country punk, from American folk to blues - tonight we had it all. Throwing so much in the mix, adding some catchy hooks and killer riffs and still keep an identity it’s not the easiest thing to do, but silver haired dinosaur J. Mascis & Co managed to do just that.

The audience slowly makes its way out. It’s a Friday night; old school fans hit Camden pubs for a couple more pints remembering the good old days, while the young ones get ready for the weekend, with a new found respect for their parents’ record collection.