Photo by Jeff Fowler

When you listen to a Dinosaur Jr. song with J Mascis inimitable voice living all over it, the song could be just about anything you wish to interpret as — Mascis himself has even gone on the record to say, “I’m not always sure what a song is ‘about’ when I’m writing it. I guess the meaning will present itself at some point.” But when Lou’s taking the lead? Words rarely get minced and you know exactly who and what he’s talking about.

That couldn’t be any more poignant on “Blowin’ Up”, the second preview from the Amherst alt-rock heroes’ forthcoming album, There Near, and a politically biting one at that. “You’re ’bout as dumb as they come / Telling stupid stories everyday,” he addresses those in power, and continues to drag their bored edge lord asses over the coals of a steaming, folk-needled indie rocker. “When are we blowing up? / We’ve waited too long / Wanna see blood and guts / C’mon.” In his hands, Barlow’s words land like bombs with some of the best-sounding guitar rock ever created on our timeline going off with it.

Lyric video by: Rena Johnson

Dinosaur Jr.’s There Near will be released August 28th on Jagjaguwar.