For the better of the past two-plus years, Josh Klinghoffer has been creating. He released his first solo album, To Be One With You under the Pluralone moniker in late 2019 to plaudits and landed an opening slot on the first leg of Pearl Jam’s Gigaton world tour. Then the pandemic struck.

Instead of wondering about missed opportunities and wallowing, Klinghoffer did what he does best: write music. For the first time in years, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had time to himself to ruminate, write and record. He released an EP, 7” single and another solo full-length with I Don’t Feel Well.

Before he recorded I Don’t Feel Well, however, tragedy hit.

In January 2020, Mars Volta bassist Juan Alderete was seriously injured in a bike accident that left him in a coma. Fearing for their friend’s life, Alderete’s loved ones and friends retreated as they received updates filling them in on his condition. During this tense time, Klinghoffer headed to his recording space where he was working on I Don’t Feel Well to lay down a tender piano-driven song about Alderete that he sent to a small group of their close friends to collaborate on.

That spirit of collaboration led to Klinghoffer working with his Dot Hacker bandmates again. Soon thereafter, they decided that they wanted to make another Dot Hacker release. Scheduling conflicts would scuttle that plan, instead, Klinghoffer and Dot Hacker bandmate Clint Walsh (they played together in Gnarls Barkley as well) decided to join forces for a new Pluralone record.

Klinghoffer wrote 10 new songs that he sent to Walsh, who would work on the tracks whenever he could. Bouncing between respective projects allowed the time necessary for the songs and partnership to gestate. It allowed for Klinghoffer to let go of the songs and allowed for Walsh to enhance them musically. His trust, confidence and faith in Walsh was rewarded.

Titled This Is the Show, the record is an expansive step forward. A student of history, Klinghoffer channeled the thematic anxieties of modern times and the tension of the post-World War II era, while interpersonal relationships are dotted throughout. Yet, at its core, the album is the mark of the friendship and bond that these collaborators have between each other. As an artist who’s yearning for closeness and connection, Klinghoffer found the perfect collaborator with Walsh, which allowed for him to see his songs bloom in a way that may not have been otherwise possible.

From the get-go with the power-packed “Fight for the Soul,” This Is the Show is unlike anything Klinghoffer has released before. The album’s first single “Claw Your Way Out” features former Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery and Dot Hacker bandmate Eric Gardner on drums. With its dreamy synths over a steady beat, the song is snappy and instantly melodic. The uptempo, visceral “Offend” is an instant earworm that’s reminiscent of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Outside of those guest contributors, the virtuosic Klinghoffer wrote and played every instrument himself and his talents shine bright.

Building off the success of his back-and-forth with Walsh, Klinghoffer was one of the busiest musicians at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival. Taking place in late September and early October, Klinghoffer was omnipresent at the fest, gliding between a total of six sets. In addition to his work with Pearl Jam and his new role in Vedder’s Earthings band, Klinghoffer unveiled Pluralone for the world to see. The second weekend marked the multi-instrumentalist’s first show as a solo artist and the well-received set also featured a guest appearance by Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament.

Klinghoffer is set to embark on yet another musical journey. A musical vagabond who is a favorite of versatile superproducer Andrew Watt, another member of Eddie Vedder’s Earthlings outfit and now, a touring member of Pearl Jam, music continues to steer Klinghoffer in many creatively prosperous directions. Yet, Pluralone remains his passion. For Klinghoffer, This Is the Show is his most successful project he’s ever done, as it serves as a document of his personal growth.

Since 2019, Klinghoffer has been releasing his own music at the prolific pace of one album per year. Though he didn’t meet that goal in 2021, this year is shaping up to be busy and one of his most fruitful yet. Who knows, maybe another Pluralone album is on the way… Keep your eyes and ears ready.