Melvins

When someone mentions the grunge genre attention is immediately turned to Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, etc… but often time people forget one of the true pioneers of the genre, The Melvins.

While they’re not strictly a grunge band, they share many elements of the genre along with aspects of metal, alternative, punk and hardcore. The sludgy rock band has been together for nearly 30 years and are still performing live and putting on great shows as well.

Buzz Osbourne, the lead guitarist, vocalist, and all around interesting guy is one of the most unique front man in rock ‘n roll. Even if you’re not familiar with his music, you more than likely know him by his Side Show Bob hairstyle.

While the band isn’t as hard around the edges as they used to be, the more senior members are all near 50 years old at this point, they’re still able to pull off a crunching live set. Most of their shows these days tend to flip between electric and acoustic elements. It’s a nice change of pace and you get to hear re-worked versions of some classic songs like “Shevil,” “Eyes Fly,” and “Inner Ear Rupture” amongst others.

The Melvins aren’t as nasty as they used to be, but they’re every bit as exciting still.

There is a large debate when discussing the Melvins, what is bigger? The blistering metal guitar riffs or lead singer Buzz Osbourne's hair. The group's music has been described as a variety of things over the years including sludge metal, doom metal, stoner rock, drone metal and grunge. With labels like this attached you have some sort of understanding of the tone the band achieves when performing live. It is a somber, dark affair with the band filing onto stage in a manner similar to a funeral procession.

Through the gloom comes thumping drums, piercing percussion and that synonymous vocal of Buzz that is unlike many of his contemporaries. The group that formed over three decades ago is intent on showcasing two of its most critically acclaimed albums this evening 'Stoner Witch' and 'Bullhead'. These are performed in a two set mentality and the crowds are delighting in this solid choice, a clear winner with the early fans. The music is played in a reimagined order yet sounds equally good. It is clear as to why Melvins have had such a detrimental influence on the Seattle grunge from where they were formed.

The music was outstanding. Of course, the Melvins put on a great show with every single note hitting like a truck, both volume and delivery-wise. Maybe one of the best parts about their bass heavy sound might be the fact that they can get a lot louder than most bands without leaving your ears ringing for the next few days; it's the mid-range that's dangerous to hearing. Their opener, Helms Alee, was wonderful as well. That may have been the first time I was genuinely enamoured by an opening set. Their sound was somewhat psychedelic and definitely heavy, which led into the Melvins quite well. They joined the Melvins on stage for a fantastic finale: two basses, two guitars, and two drums. The only thing that I couldn't stand about the show was the crowd. The mosh pit was far too wide, was more slippery than an ice rink, and was filled with only 200+lb guys. I love mashing, but I also love being alive. There were also some older guys who were drugged out and trying to start fights, but the security couldn't even calm them down. That was all annoying, but the band's more than made up for it.

It was cancelled. we were very disappointed.
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The Melvins concert in Dallas, Texas at Trees was one concert I will never forget. The concert venue was small creating an intimate setting which makes for great sound and acoustics. The Melvins are a group which do not talk much on stage, but make up for it sure power and energy (who wants to hear a bunch of talking right?). They came out and rocked the house for what seemed almost three hours. Just the sheer appearance of King Buzzo drove the crowd mad! The mosh pit was circling being driven by the sheer sludge sounds of the band.I was totally blown away by the bands energy and tone. The Melvins totally melted our faces off, and blew us away. Consider me a fan for life!

First time in Paradiso Tolhuistuin and must say was pleasently surprised. Great sound and good views made the Melvins experience once again one to remember. Buzz, Steven and Dale did their thing which they have done so many times but with an energy like you rarely see anymore.
It must also be awesome to be in a band that has created a huge and diverse repertoire, to draw from to make any live event something unique.
The crowd sucked it up, eventhough they were perhaps secretly hoping for more of the old classics.
I can recommend anyone to go and check out the Melvins live, you will be blasted away with a great mix of heavyness.

I’ve been going to see Melvins since 1991 and after last night’s show, I can say that they have never rocked harder. The set contained classics from Ozma, Bullhead, Houdini and Stoner Witch. There was also a sprinkling of new and less known stuff as well. Redd Kross was amazing and totally high energy. The collaboration between the two bands and the crossover of members was so cool. All the members of both could interchange easily... except Buzz of course, he has one home. The only bummer was that Shitkid didn’t play. I was really looking forward to seeing her.

What’s to say? Redd Kross and Melvins that’s all anyone needs to know. They both played power hour sets. Steven and Dale definitely earned their money pulling double duty for both sets. I’d seen something I never have before. The headlining band play a cover of the opening band while opening band member played with headliner!!! WTF!!! Then to see both bans merge for two songs at the end was pretty rad. The Grog Shop once again proved to be the place to see live music in Cleveland. I love the venue and the staff is awesome.

Sandwiched between Eye Flies and Night Goat was an hour-long sandwich of throwaway material. Usually, Melvins are okay, but last night was pretty disappointing. ...which is fine, shit happens, but these guys used to be a force to be reckoned with. Now it seems they've acquiesced to more or less phoning it in with mishmash of hard rock songs, minus the time changes and the dynamics that once made them so great. It is was like witnessing a poorly executed Melvins cover band.

The Melvins might have been great but the Casbah can bite a big one! I bought "the Blasters" tickets by mistake - & I didn't notice the date on the ticket was wrong until it was too late (yep - that's my bad) but a big "F.U." to the Casbah 'cause they STILL HAD the Blasters listed on the website on the day of the actual Melvins.
The Melvins rock.
The Casbah blows. (Even thought I love the place still).