When most bands re-unite after a long period apart, it’s usually for a one-off tour and not much more. That hasn’t been the case with Dinosaur Jr., who have been hard at work in the studio since reforming in 2005. This year, the legendary indie rock band are set to release I Bet On Sky, their third album since the reunion, on September 18th.

The original lineup of Dinosaur Jr. formed in the early 80s, when guitarist J Mascis and bassist Lou Barlow broke up their hardcore band Deep Wound and formed a new band that owed debts to both Black Flag and Crazy Horse. However, relations between the band were so tense that Barlow left the group in 1989, just as they were about to be picked up by a major label. Mascis soldiered on, releasing four Barlow-less albums before disbanding the group in the late ’90s.

I Bet On The Sky is the latest in a series of records that the newly reunited band have put out since 2007’s Beyond, which sounded as if Barlow, Mascis, and drummer Murph had merely picked up where they left off as if no acrimonious split had ever happened. The band’s hot streak continued with 2009’s Farm, which stretched out the band’s sound more and had a more relaxed, jammy atmosphere. On this record, the band claims to have drawn in influences from the various projects that each member has undertaken in recent years (Mascis released a synth-based album with Brett Nelson of Built to Spill, released an acclaimed solo album and formed the band Heavy Blanket. Barlow released a solo record and toured with his band Sebadoh) while retaining that classic Dinosaur Jr. sound.

Fans can get the album on September 18th, and they can also catch the band on tour starting in Chicago on June 22nd. If you go, bring earplugs; it will get loud.

I Bet On Sky tracklist: 

1. Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know
2. Watch The Corners
3. Almost Fare
4. Stick A Toe In
5. Rude
6. I Know It Oh So Well
7. Pierce The Morning Rain
8. What Was That
9. Recognition
10. See It On Your Side

Tour Dates: