overall, i was kinda disappointed with the show. Id have to disagree on the comment about Buzz's guitar tone being better than ever....sounded quite harsh, and not in a good way, not very pleasing to the ear at all. Its probably that darn JB he has in his Les Paul. And im not nit-picking here, it started to really bother me after a while. I could hear all the vocals loud and clear though. Kevin's bass as well, although it did cut out at one point during the show which was very noticeable and demonstrated just how much bottom end he provides. It was temporary though, no big deal. I know ill probably be banned for saying this...but i think the Melvins are not what they once were as a live band. This was my fourth time seeing them, and since ive been listening to and loving their records for quite a while now, i was hoping each time to be nothing short of blown away by their live performance(it seems like everyones always hyping them for their live shows), but ive felt sorta let down these last few times. And its not that im unfamiliar with the material they covered....i recognized each and every song...but even in comparision to some old bootlegs ive heard from back in the day, it doesnt sound quite up to par with the vibe they once put off live. Im not trying to rain on everyone's parade, just being honest, as i am STILL a big Melvins fan.But my only impression of them this time was that they were very loud, thats it. And loud does not always necessarily = good.
They did in fact play "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"...just a shortened, heavy Melvinized version.
Buzz went off into some improvized banter before the last song....it went something like this(the most interesting part anyway):
"We wanna thank Trevor Dunn's Trio Convulsant for joining us on tour!!....Earlier, Trevor told you guys this was their first time in Alabama...but thats not true, they were here earlier this year.....so, TREVOR DUNN IS A LIAR!!....but dont hate him cause hes a liar....maybe HES JUST STUPID!!...but dont hate him cause hes stupid....hate him cause he's from NEW YORK CITY!! Actually, dont hate him cause hes from New York, hate Trevor Dunn cause HE'S A RACIST!! Wait, dont hate him cause he's a racist, hate him cause HIS WIFE's A BITCH!!...."
Despite being let down by the Melvins, I was however pleasantly surprised with Trevor Dunn's Trio Convulsant. Which is odd, because i was planning on skipping out on them initially(i never even really liked Helmet, so Trevor Dunn's name didnt really attract my attention). It was sort of a slow start but it turns out they have an amazing drummer and the music really grabs you if you allow yourself to get lost in it. The only way i can describe it is a really weird, eerie and hypnotic-type jazz fusion with plenty of odd time changes. I was right near the front of the stage on Trevor's end and remember hearing some guy with this really boneheadish Beavis-and-Butthead-type laugh criticizing the band and commenting to his friends on how he wouldnt mind if they cut their set short. Somebody seriously should've taken a swing at this guy or any of these other goons that go to shows and work their way to the front of the stage only to stand back with their arms folded and insult the opening band to their faces. You would think a Melvins' fan would have more patience and give the music a little bit more time to sink in. Oh well, i guess this is pretty much the case at any show.
When its all over, ill still always come back to the Melvins. There was no turning back after i finally "understood" Gluey Porch Treatments for the first time. But i may think twice next time they come to town again and i have no money in my bank account and i have to scrounge around for 12 bucks for a ticket.
Ill be lookin' further into Trevor Dunn's Trio Convulsant as well.
