A Bit On The Side
Jeff Ament needs no introduction. Having been bassists to one of the worlds "superpowers" of bands from day one - and the bassist is off on another one of his side project travels once again. This time it is as part of a trio called RNDM.
Joining Jeff is singer songwriter Joseph Arthur and no real surprise to see on drums Richard Stuverud who has previously worked with Jeff Ament on his previous Three Fish and Tres Mts. side projects. Both of whom are already considered with high regard, Richard Stuverud for being one of the pioneers of the Seattle Grunge scene and Joseph Arthur for his accomplished American Rock meets Folk Rock complete with poetic lyrics.
Right, let's get the obvious Pearl Jam comparisons out of the way first. Yes, musically there is more than a hint of PJ - which will please the fans enough but it should be stressed this is not a PJ album, so don't expect one. Joseph Arthur's vocal abilities are no Eddie Vedder but then again why should they be? At the end of the day, Acts should be reviewed upon its own merits.
The tracks are all nice, easy to listen to and get lost in. Played with the skill and composure you would expect from a trio of this level of experience. The only negative part is when Joseph Arthur's vocals try to go a bit higher than normal, it just doesn't sound right. Thankfully this only happens on very rare occasions. Tracks like The Disappearing Ones, Hollow Girl and Look Out! will be firm favourites, especially live. Album closer Cherries In The Snow has all the hallmarks of a great folk rock tune.
As side projects go, Acts is enjoyable enough but certainly not worth leaving Pearl Jam over. All tracks are nice enough and will make fine additions to many a record collection but there is no 'wow' factor on the album to make RNDM anything other than a side project. Fun to make, fun to listen to and most probably fun to see played live (UK tour is in the pipe work for early next year. But isn't that what side projects tend to be - a little bit of fun for everyone.