R.E.M.’s first album as a trio marks yet another departure from the expected, which is guaranteed to maintain their status among rock critics. However, Up is unlikely to return the band to the sales heights they scaled with Out Of Time and Automatic For The People, for the acoustic-led melodies that run throughout it are suppressed by unrelenting sonic experimentation, producing an uneasy listening experience.
Daysleeper is one of the few exceptions, but it does illustrate the pervasive downbeat tone. Ultimately, fans will find their patience rewarded, since given time R.E.M.’s 11th album reveals itself to be among their best work yet.
