Without a Sound

After spending the early ‘90s transitioning from post-hardcore noisemakers to a classic-rock-refined powerhouse, Dinosaur Jr. settled into their groove on Without a Sound. You can hear it in the way “Feel the Pain” effortlessly shifts from a midtempo strut into a delirious, accelerated guitar break that effectively doubles as its chorus. Elsewhere, the lilting “Outta Hand” showcases J Mascis’ increased ease with tender acoustic ballads, and even the songs that lead with his signature face-melting screech (see: “Grab It”) reveal their sensitive core.