MELVINS LITE play the Opera House July 5. See listing. Rating: NNN
For their 18th release (depending on how you count), the Melvins have added “Lite” to their name, but it’s a bit misleading. Though they’ve temporarily replaced their bassist and second drummer with upright bassist Trevor Dunn (of Fantomas/Mr. Bungle), sludge-rock legends King Buzzo and Dale Crover aren’t presenting a watered-down Coors version of the Melvins. By all measures, this is the same loud-riffing, stoner-friendly rock band that’s been recording since the early 80s.
Considering that they went to the trouble of a name change, it’s disappointing to discover that they haven’t shaken up their formula too drastically. On the other hand, it’s comforting to see how consistently the Melvins can make heavy, compelling riffs, nimble rhythms and caustic, oddball choices (like the hard-as-nails cover of Paul McCartney’s Let Me Roll It) this late in their career. They seem incapable of softening their sound, even when they try.
Top track: Freak Puke
