Alternative Rock titans The Smashing Pumpkins return with three fourths of the original line up for their tenth studio album “Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.” The band returns with Billy Corgan on lead vocals bass and, guitar, Jimmy Chamberlin on drums, James Iha on Guitar, and Jeff Schroeder on guitar, three fourths of the original line up from 1988. “No Past. No Future. No Sun.” is the first in the “Shiny and Oh So Bright” series announced in early 2018.

“Vol. 1” is the first Pumpkins LP since 2014 and continues the same general sound. While the album is filled with great tracks, like “Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts)” and “Marchin’ On”, it brings nothing new in terms of vocals or instrumentation. “Vol 1” is what one would expect from a late career release from a 90’s alt rock band. But in the case of She Smashing Pumpkins, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The Pumpkins come back with very melodic guitar riffs supported by a well-kept rhythm section. At times, Corgan’s vocals are just as great as they were on masterpieces “Siamese Dream” (1993) and “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” (1995). But at other points it is evident that his voice has aged.

The sound the “Vol. 1” offers feels very at home with The Smashing Pumpkins’ discography, almost too much so. Aside from some stand out tracks, such as “Knights of Malta” and “Seek and You Shall Destroy”, the record feels like it weighs down on itself. But the filler of the album does not ruin the album, it is still an enjoyable listen.

This release by the Pumpkins is the best album they have put out this decade. Within the “Shiny and Oh So Bright” series the band has an opportunity to perhaps rekindle what has made them legendary within rock. Aside from lack-luster filler, The Smashing Pumpkins come back to bring some of the better rock albums released in 2018. Fans of The Smashing Pumpkins will love this album, even if you are not a fan of The Pumpkins, it would not be a bad idea to give “Vol. 1” a listen.

“Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.” is available to be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify as well as physical release on CD and LP.