The Melvins

Unquestionably, there are few bands as important, as relevant and as consistently creative and challenging as the Melvins in the world of aggressive music. Over the decades of their existence, they have refused to be pigeonholed, offering up classic albums (Bullhead, Houdini, Stoner Witch) and reactionary noise (Prick); they inspired a little band called Nirvana and are credited as the godfathers of grunge. They also are credited with inspiring the sludge movement in the underground with their early works (Gluey Porch Treatments) and are undeniably renowned for their ability to piss off fans and detractors alike. With Ipecac now seemingly their permanent home, more and more of the Melvins’ back catalogue and reissues are seeing the light of day, and Mangled Demos From 1983 delivers on what it promises: mangled demos from 22 years ago. Featuring the original Melvins line-up (a less afro-ed Buzz, bassist Matt Lukin and drummer Mike Dillard), Mangled doesn’t sound as bad as the title implies and features a then embryonic Melvins trying to define their style, which, oddly enough, they are still redefining to this day. While much of the material is far more simplistic, punk and up-tempo (i.e. "Forgotten Principles”) than the sludge, rock, noise, ambient, etc works we associate with the Melvins today, even in the beginning Buzz’s trademarked voice is unmistakable (if not as yet powerful) and their songwriting skills are already demonstrated (an early version of "Set Me Straight” appears). Also included are liner notes (i.e. half-remembered ramblings) from Buzz that are full of his humour and spite.