Updates on the forthcoming 10th album from Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt are now starting to come in thick and fast. As fans and media begin to prick up their ears, guitarist Mike McCready has opened up about the release in an interview giving us somewhat of an idea as to what we can expect.
Only a matter of days ago the band released first single Mind Your Manners which has kicked anticipation up a hefty couple of notches. McCready told Total Guitar that the grunge icons have covered all bases with the release, compiling an album that will keep the die-hards happy, as well as being accessible enough for new fans. “If you’re a Pearl Jam fan you’re going to love it. And even if you’re not, maybe it’ll turn you into one!” he says
The album began to take shape 2 years ago but, as the story goes, the band had to take a breather and regrouped some 4 months ago:
“We started it two years ago, then we had to pull back. We finished seven songs two years ago and we had to take some time to figure out what we wanted to do. And write some more songs. So about four months ago we started up again with a brand new batch of songs to go along with those.”
Apparently the time apart was just what the doctor ordered, McCready explaining it provided the band with a much-needed shot in the arm:
”I think getting away from them and taking the time to do it, and discussing with Brendan O’Brien who is producing it, having many meetings between ourselves about these things, yet keeping it fresh while we were recording it. I think it’s helped. I think it’s going to be really cool record and I’m very excited about it. Every artist says that about their new thing but I feel like we’ve been through a long journey to get there and it was totally worth it.”
The countdown has begun now only for the full album, but also for their Australian tour which is a hot favourite for early 2014.
Listen: Pearl Jam – Mind Your Manners
