The Melvins: Masters of Musical Mayhem at London’s Electric Ballroom

At London’s Electric Ballroom, the Melvins once again proved that classification is a fool’s game. One can assume that frontman Buzz Osborne—whose favorite film is “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”—wouldn’t cast himself as the hero. If the Melvins were in Huston’s classic, they’d be the bandits: lounging in the dust, refusing to show any stinkin’ badges, and plotting their next sonic ambush. Armed not with guns, but with riffs, odd time signatures, and four decades of willful unpredictability, they turned the venue into their killing field and the crowd into willing victims.

Embracing the Unconventional

Like the villains in a classic western, the Melvins know exactly what they do best and offer no apologies to those left bewildered. Their approach to music is both off-kilter and strangely direct. Forget the typical song structures that mainstream acts favor—verse-verse-chorus-bridge-outro is not in their vocabulary. A Melvins tune might flirt with traditional structure but often veers into unpredictable territory, with song lengths that defy expectation. For instance, “Copache” from the *Houdini* album wraps up in a mere 2:08, while “Pigs of the Roman Empire” can stretch to over 20 minutes.

Mastery of Time Signatures

Another often-overlooked aspect of the Melvins is their innovative use of odd time signatures. While this practice isn’t unique to rock music, they employ it in a manner that doesn’t immediately conjure comparisons to bands like King Crimson or 70s rock fusion. The audience may not articulate it, but they feel it in places only a doctor could describe—perhaps in the spleen.

Opening Act: Redd Kross

Opening the night was the legendary Redd Kross, with bassist Steven Shane McDonald performing double duty as both a founding member of that band and a key player for the Melvins. Their energetic rendition of classics like “Candy Colored Catastrophe” served as a perfect aperitif for the much heavier and more dangerous headliners.

The Melvins Take the Stage

As the Melvins took the stage, the crowd braced themselves for an experience akin to witnessing a penalty shot in soccer, where the offending team stands in front of the goal, holding their collective breath. What was about to unfold could be the most visceral moment of their lives. But unlike a soccer match, Melvins fans don’t shield themselves; they embrace the impending chaos. They are, after all, masochists at heart.

A Genre of Their Own

Throughout their set, it became increasingly clear that categorizing the Melvins into a specific genre is a futile endeavor. Hardcore, sludge, punk, doom metal, grunge… who cares? It’s akin to preparing for a tidal wave while some wiseacre oceanographer quibbles over its classification. What matters is that something monumental is headed your way. That’s the only certainty.

Setlist Highlights

Yes, they played fan favorites like “Honey Bucket,” “Revolve,” and “Your Blessened.” With a catalog boasting over 500 songs across four decades, the odds of hearing your personal favorite are slim, but the overall experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Touring once again with two drummers, the Melvins have never sounded more ferocious.

Conclusion

The Melvins’ relentless tour continues at their signature pace, embodying the spirit of speed and sludge without asking for your gold—only your ears. While what they do to them may not be pretty, it is certainly worth it. If you have the chance to catch them live, prepare for a sonic ambush that defies expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

FAQs

What genre of music do the Melvins play?

The Melvins blend various genres, including hardcore, sludge, punk, doom metal, and grunge, making them difficult to categorize into one specific genre.

How many songs does the Melvins have in their catalog?

The Melvins have an extensive catalog comprising over 500 songs spanning four decades.

Who opened for the Melvins at the Electric Ballroom?

The opening act was Redd Kross, featuring bassist Steven Shane McDonald.

What can fans expect from a Melvins live performance?

Fans can expect an unpredictable and intense experience, characterized by heavy riffs, odd time signatures, and a willingness to embrace chaos.

Are the Melvins currently on tour?

Yes, the Melvins are on a relentless tour, continuing to perform across various venues.