Eddie Vedder claims Pearl Jam’s new album is their best yet — and it’s certainly their strongest since the 1990s

And yet few bands have fought against the corporatisation of live music as determinedly as Pearl Jam: Vedder has long been an outspoken critic of ticket price-gouging. Perhaps Cobain was alluding to Pearl Jam’s more mainstream, accessible, “corporate” rock sound and it’s true that Nirvana were a much rawer, grittier proposition.

Still, it’s hard not to applaud Pearl Jam’s longevity and their latest album, Dark Matter, offers quite the riposte to those who might assume they’ve been resting on past glories all this time. Vedder claims the album is the best the band have ever made and while that might be stretching credibility, it’s about as urgent and compelling as a 12th album from any band has a right to be — it’s certainly their most consistently strong since the 1990s.

As is often the case with Pearl Jam albums, this one is front-loaded with arresting, stadium-sized anthems. Scared of Fear is a potent opener while the title track allows drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Jeff Ament to show their metal, with Mike McCready and Stone Gossard letting rip on guitar. React, Respond is as potent as that title suggests, and a boon for the rhythm section.

Vedder seems to be in an especially questioning, reflective mood and that’s certainly the case on the subdued Something Special, which is inspired by his two daughters. The track may sound a little mawkish to some, but to these ears it’s another side to one of the better frontmen of his generation.

The album is produced by Andrew Watt, who worked wonders with the Rolling Stones on their acclaimed Hackney Diamonds comeback last year. Some quibble that he has a tendency for rock that’s a little too bright and clean, but here he plays to the strengths of Vedder et al.

It’s an impressive album that bodes well for Pearl Jam’s Dublin gig this summer. They play a headline show at Marlay Park on June 22 with support from Richard Ashcroft and the Murder Capital.

Taylor Swift releases a new album on Friday, a surefire global chart-topper. Girl in Red — aka 25-year-old Norwegian Marie Ulven — has been a support act on Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour and her second album, I’m Doing It Again Baby!, is a widescreen pop smash that will appeal to Swifties and others.

Lead single Too Much is typical — a feisty riot of synths and attitude — while the title track glories in braggadocio. Ulven does not lack confidence and these assertive, playful songs suggest her trajectory will continue in an upward direction.