Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam

Herald rating: * * *

There's no doubt Pearl Jam write great songs - they have ever since their debut Ten, when songs such as Even Flow and Jeremy whipped the world's mosh pits into a rolling frenzy back in 1991.

Apart from a few lumbering and odd albums, they remain one of modern music's most consistent bands.

On this self-titled release the riotous riffs are back right from the opening track, Life Wasted. The music cracks along; at times it's fiery (the snappy riffing and piercing harmonics of Severed Head), at times sneering (first single, World Wide Suicide).

But while much has been said about a revitalised Pearl Jam, it's the quiet moments that build into something that are the most enjoyable, such as the lovely and long last track, Inside Job, the smouldering Gone, and the lilting heart-squeezer Parachutes.

On Parachutes Vedder sings without that trademark warble, which makes you aware of what a stunning voice he has. Yes, he has one of the most distinctive voices in music, but after years of warbling himself hoarse he sounds worn out on some of the up-beat tunes .

This album is for the fans, and most of them will declare it one of the band's best. But it's nothing that special - just more good, solid Pearl Jam.

Label: Sony/BMG