AFTER more than a decade fronting American grunge pioneers Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder's first solo record is as eclectic as much of his band's earlier offerings.
Starting out with a soundtrack, for the Sean Penn-directed movie of the album title, is an unusual way to begin branching out on your own but, in this case, it works. Listeners should get used to a different, older Vedder.
Gone is the hard edge, replaced by acoustic guitars and tambourines, and Vedder's vocals seem softer although Far Behind has definite hints of Nirvana.
More folk driven, as encapsulated in Hard Sun, Vedder's versatility is hardly surprising - given his vocal strength and lyrical ability - but it is impressive none the less.
Atmospheric, and dark at times, Into The Wild is almost perfect mood music.
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