J Mascis asks a rhetorical question and answers with his next full album. 

At 58 years young, and with a career spanning over four decades, J Mascis is one of Dinosaur Jr. most senior figures. Every now and then Mascis also releases solo efforts in which he freely explores different directions. His louder side but also his acoustic side and even a tribute to a Native American spiritual leader are among the body of work that was brought out under his own name. Since 2018’s Elastic Days Mascis kept quiet, not taking Dinosaur Jr. ‘s 2021 release in account of course. This month he however returns with some brand new solo work that sounds surprisingly old school. 

On ten breezy yet tangled, open-hearted tracks, echoes of classic rock and subtle nods to early hardcore punk pass by. J Mascis opens What Do We Do Now with introspective lyrics that immediately draws listeners into his world. “Everybody made a fuss. Hard to know it’s one of us,” he sings, setting the stage for an exploration of his signature sound. After this he directly pushes forward the album’s essence on the title track that is cleverly crafted around catchy verses and meandering guitar solos. 

Throughout the record, Mascis returns to his familiar formula of mid tempo grooves, introspective lyrics and sprawling guitar solos that wind their way through each song. While this formula proves effective and enjoyable, it also contributes to a sense of sameness that we know so well from Dinosaur Jr. In a manner of speaking time comes to a standstill as tracks don’t really differ and standout moments are sparse. 

Nevertheless, there are glimpses of brilliance scattered throughout the album if you’re open to them. Tracks like I Can’t Find You slow the tempo to a near-ballad, allowing Mascis’ delicate guitar work to shine through while Old Friends is a more upbeat indie rock song. Similarly, Set Me Down stands out with its distinctive percussion and touching guitar interplay, showcasing Mascis’ songwriting mastery and guitar virtuosity.

However, as the album progresses, its consistency still becomes its downfall. The songs blend together into a hazy, indistinct mass, lacking the punch and dynamism needed to truly captivate listeners. While Mascis’ skills as a songwriter and guitarist are undeniable, What Do We Do Now ultimately falls short of delivering memorable moments.

This leaves us to conclude that What Do We Do Now offers a comforting but also fresh familiarity for longtime fans of Mascis’ music, but also fails to evolve into something that leaves a lasting impression. So listeners who are looking for a sense of nostalgia or solace gather around, because J Mascis still does what he does best. 

Label: Sub Pop, 2024

Buy it here: https://europe.subpop.com/release/423317-j-mascis-what-do-we-do-now 

Tracklist: 

1. Can’t Believe We’re Here (3:58) 
2. What Do We Do Now (5:00)
3. Right Behind You (4:20) 
4. You Don’t Understand Me (3:50)
5. I Can’t Find You (4:24)
6. Old Friends (4:13)
7. It’s True (5:16)
8. Set Me Down (3:53) 
9. Hangin Out (4:53)
10. End Is Gettin Shaky (4:48)

Line up:

• J Mascis – vocals, guitars, bass, drums
• Matthew “Doc” Dunn – pedal steel
• Ken Maiuri – piano, keyboards

Review by Wander Meulemans // 190224