Thunderball

[Colonel Cheese]

nice review. I'm excited. I wish i had received mine already. Also kerrang posted a review. Short and to the point. a good review.

https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-melvins-thunderball

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the electronic-only track "Vomit" doesn't really strike me as much of anything at first. Maybe it'll grow on me.

I have a feeling that will be my reaction too. I remember i wasn't too much for Inner Ear Rupture on Freak Puke at first. But now i really like it. I guess it's the same M.O. - establish an opening song and then a statement of disorientation on track 2.

Anyway, good record. More of a mini-album to my ears.

Again i suspect i will think the same. I really wish Buzz would make the records a little longer. Not too much longer but 40-45 minutes. That's perfect to me. He seems to be drifting more and more into the 35 minute region. A bit too short for an "album" to me.

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Received my copy today. I haven't listened to it yet but Buzzo's text in the liner notes is a bit of a drag. As a piece of writing which is aiming to give an insight into his early years with Dillard, he sure does bang on about the uselessness of education. 40% of the writing of which is this ill judged diatribe. It has no baring to Mike and Buzz's relationship and absolutely nothing to do with the album itself. It's just badly out of place. Also the text itself really should have been proof read since there is a clear error of an additional and incorrect "an" in one sentence. Education indeed.

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After 3 listens tonight... it's another 8/10 Melvins record for me. Short Hair and Venus Blood are the standouts for me - and both feel like typical, classic Melvins slow burners. Like aA said, it doesn't really feel like an album. More like an EP. There isn't as much "bombast" as i was expecting given the mention that it was. It's quite a laidback affair really. Except for that horrible 2 minute opening on 'Victory...' which is easily the worst thing on this whole thing. I don't know why the hell Buzz chose that. The song kicks in nicely enough without it so it's a bit baffling why it required a Foo Fighters-esque intro.

[the bloat]

I've spun this thing a few times already. At first blush, it's consistent and interesting. There are some classic Melvins sounds and some new ones. It will not disappoint anyone on this board. I like the tempo and I'm looking forward to repeated listens. Go buy it in any format you can!

[black stallion]

Except for that horrible 2 minute opening on 'Victory...' which is easily the worst thing on this whole thing. I don't know why the hell Buzz chose that. The song kicks in nicely enough without it so it's a bit baffling why it required a Foo Fighters-esque intro.

ahaha, i like to think Buzz did that to piss people off 

[Stonergrunge]

I listened to the digital download from Bandcamp last night, I actually wanted to order the CD at Bandcamp but the shipping cost to Chile was obscenely expensive.

I think more of this album like an Ep since it only has 5 tracks and, you know what? It's okay, way better than Tarantula Heart I must say.

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It's okay, way better than Tarantula Heart I must say.

Hmm, yes quite possibly. Although i would say there is no single song on Thunderball that is better than Working The Ditch or Smiler. But as a whole possibly.

[the bloat]

Except for that horrible 2 minute opening on 'Victory...' which is easily the worst thing on this whole thing. I don't know why the hell Buzz chose that. The song kicks in nicely enough without it so it's a bit baffling why it required a Foo Fighters-esque intro.

I don't mind it, but I agree that playing the riff over and over and over again is a very Melvins thing to do 

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Speaking of the same riff over and over again, I'd love to see them play Short Hair With A Wig live. Best song on the record IMO.

[the bloat]

Speaking of the same riff over and over again, I'd love to see them play Short Hair With A Wig live. Best song on the record IMO.

Short Hair With a Wig has a very anti-vermin seed vibe during the verse. If I recall, that is one of your favorites Ian?

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Short Hair With a Wig has a very anti-vermin seed vibe during the verse. If I recall, that is one of your favorites Ian?

Yes that's right, and actually now you mention it that is a good observation there! I do love a slow burning, hypnotic Melvins riff!

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Gotta say, Vomit Of Clarity sounds very reminiscent of some of the tracks on the Love side of AWL&D. But i do like it here on this album. I actually wish there was a little bit more sprinkled throughout the record. Perhaps another sole track of noise near the end of the album.

[black stallion]

listening now, wow this is good. I like it, should've been a bit longer , that's my only complaint. this album makes me think Buzz is great on bass, such  sinister lines.darkest melvins album in a long time, with pretty good production. 8/10

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should've been a bit longer

I keep thinking that too, but then today shockingly i remembered it's actually the same length as Bullhead!!! Which weirdly i always think of that as a "proper" album for some reason.