For Week Ending:
28 September 2024

Melvins - Tarantula Heart (2024)

[Grunge Rock]

Melvins have never been a band that have cared what-so-ever about their listener. They make the music they want to make, and that can often lead to a jarring listening experience, with them on more than one occasion making albums that could be labelled unlistenable. With time and age they have slowly been writing songs that although distinctively them, have a more 'user friendly' edge. 'Pain Equals Funny' launches the album (album number 27?), and a hooky groove drags you in straight away. A few minutes in the song leaves the hook behind and the listener is on more familiar ground if they are a Melvins regular. A heavy sludge-dirge signals in what you will get for the rest of the track, all 19 minutes of it. Oddly thought it is very compelling, even though the vocals cease about 10 minutes in. It feels like the band has been making this music for so long now that the rest of world has finally caught up with their vision, and so they are the apex predators of the style. Once the near 20 minutes of the droning terror of track one is over, 'Working The Ditch' dirges its way into being, and the smell of burning spliff wafts from the speakers. Again though, the song is listenable and compelling - but it is unclear why. 'She's Got Weird Arms' could be called 'They Got Weird Songs' as an eclectic Devo-esque chant leaves the listener checking what they believe is the meaning of their existence, until they are punched in the face by the cacophony of 'Allergic To Food'. 'Smiler' continues the sludge to close the album, but picks up the pace, and closes what is possibly the most listenable album Melvins have produced in a long time (or even ever). Sure, it is still quirky and odd, and like every other Melvins album it will challenge you with every moment that passes to continue on or leave - but for some reason you'll find yourself making it to the end, and when you get there you just may press play to start it all over again.

Arist Information
Melvins are an American alternative rock band formed in 1983, in Montesano, Washington. Their early work was key to the development of both grunge and sludge metal. Primarily a trio, they have also performed as a quartet, with either two drummers or two bassists. Since 1984, vocalist and guitarist Buzz Osborne and drummer Dale Crover have been constant members.

Release Information
'Tarantula Heart' is the twenty-seventh studio album by Melvins. The album uses dual drum parts, and, according to vocalist Buzz Osborne, was approached "different than any other Melvins album".

Regurgitator - Regurgitator (1994)

[Alternative Rock]

In 1994, there were so many Oz bands emerging in the alt-rock space, with different sounds surprisingly, so as a bunch of us moving on from 80's rock found a new home with bands like Regurgitator and others. Now the Gurge very much took up a left of centre approach. Not so much your straight up grunge band, nor your balls out Oz heavy metal at the time, not even the early stages of ska. Musically the 'Hamburger' release as it became known is an E.P. of 5 songs lasting about 18 minutes that quite frankly are as weird as fuck. It's all over the place track to track, mixed with heavy guitars, dub samples, chill and obscure song themes. And I love it!!!! This and the next E.P. in 1995 (New) made them a must see at a number of Big Day Out festivals for the years to come.

Arist Information
Regurgitator are an Australian alternative rock band from Brisbane, Queensland, formed in late 1993 by Quan Yeomans on lead vocals, guitar and keyboards; Ben Ely on bass guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Martin Lee on drums. Their second album, 'Unit' was certified triple platinum and won five categories at the ARIA Music Awards of 1998.

Release Information
'Regurgitator' (also known as 'Hamburger') is the debut E.P. by Regurgitator. The E.P. peaked at number 45 on the ARIA singles chart.