Elastic Days is the third solo album from indie rock legend J Mascis, best known as the lackadaisical axeman and primary singer-songwriter of Dinosaur Jr. Those fond of his previous solo efforts – 2011’s Several Shades of Why and 2014’s Tied to a Star – will be pleased to learn this is another journey down the same back road.
Stripped of the drums and bass that make up Dinosaur’s thunderous growl, Mascis transforms into a melancholy folk singer spinning yarns of one-sided conversations and navalgazing contemplation. And even more than his last two records, he finds a way to weave in his signature fuzzy guitar solos into every tune.
Whether or not you’re a receiver of his main band’s loud and heavy assault, which admittedly isn’t for everyone, Mascis’ tender ballads are nearly universal in their warm aesthetic and incredible humanity.
Score: 🦖🦖🦖🦖/5
Ryan is a writer, editor and vinyl collector currently based in Los Angeles. He started Mini Music Critic in 2017.