Using effects live

[))))((((]

One thing that always baffles me (in a way) about the band is that they rarely do any sound effects or noise in a performance. For a good number of years the band has often dabbled with various weird noises or circuit bending effects on their records. They always incorporate all manner of thing in the studio. Yet when it comes to touring there is virtually none of that. It's always a pretty straight ahead rock show - drum, guitar, bass. I find it surprising that they have never really try to incorporate any of that live.

During the Kevin era they messed about a bit with noise. I wonder if they've never explored it much because it doesn't make for a very visually compelling show seeing a bunch of guys standing still twiddling dials on stage. But i would like to see them use it a bit more. Maybe even if they all had little stands with effects pedals and switches that they could adjust between songs as interludes or something. I've noticed Buzz has his signature effects pedals with him live now so he could use them more.

[HAT36447]

Noise is definitely part of their identity now, but mostly as a result of Kevin.. Ive read toshi saying most of that was from Kevin's request. David Scott stone brought a LOT of effects with his standing pedal board, 2000-2001. Also Adam Jones did lots of effects when he played with the band in 99 and 2003, he had a virus indigo synth and his whole pedal board. Buzz also had a pedal strapped to his guitar for colossus of destiny opener in 2001. Also the whole colossus of destiny record was a live set in 1998 with Adam Kevin buzz and dale on synthesizers. I've yet to see any photos or video of that live..... 2003 was a special year for effects, they brought a lot of circuit bent toys on stage for those shows and Kevin also had a fire alarm set up for noise. You can see some of that stuff on youtube, I think 2003 live @ the Roxy theatre? And then the short 2004 tour was veeery noise heavy!Anyways I wish they would do that kind of stuff more nowadays but their theme isn't as dark as it used to be, I think noise just isn't their priority anymore.. 1999-2004 is my favorite because of all the crazy gear stuff

[Dumpster D]

I would say that touring with circuit bent toys would be dicey at best. They break down or can be too fragile to withstand the rigors of touring. They're also unconventional things to attempt to play and get consistent results.

You'd end up like Emil Beaulieau having your setup fail at the moment of truth. Then resort to recite Dadaist poetry off the top of your head to a crowd of drunk stoned rowdy idiots.

Not to mention if you had a semi-modular rig in the back of your van....Chances are, I would steal it.

[neimma]

Yeah, touring with circuit-bent gear sounds like trying to play my_spam on a cracked phone screen—possible, but definitely not ideal. One loose solder joint and you're suddenly improvising with ambient feedback loops and a prayer. Honestly, I love the chaos, but consistency? Not its strong suit.

[neimma]

So, What strategies could mitigate these risks during a tour?

[))))((((]

One loose solder joint and you're suddenly improvising with ambient feedback loops and a prayer. Honestly, I love the chaos, but consistency? Not its strong suit.

Ah, i didn't know that, but it does make sense that something like that could be tempremental. Perhaps they could leave out the circuit bending and just have other types of gear for noise. I've seen Ni Maitres does his shows with an electic stand-up bass and pedals and such. Something like that would be cool to be incorporated into the live show and the older material. I bit like the work Boris and Merzbow have done together - classic Boris tracks with Merzbow adding and complimenting the music with his sounds underneath.

[Dumpster D]

So, What strategies could mitigate these risks during a tour?

Nothing that would be cost effective, I can assure you.

[the bloat]

So, What strategies could mitigate these risks during a tour?

Stop using effects

[black stallion]

i think the intro of Working the Ditch live sounds very noisy, i noticed Steven is having a new approach too, doing some noise with his pedals, which i enjoyed a lot

[))))((((]

i think the intro of Working the Ditch live sounds very noisy, i noticed Steven is having a new approach too, doing some noise with his pedals, which i enjoyed a lot

Isn't Buzz doing some with his pedals as well?

[amazonAMAZON]

The beginning of "Ditch" has become absolutely epic. I hope there's a live album from this tour. The last one was the pandemic already!

[))))((((]

The beginning of "Ditch" has become absolutely epic. I hope there's a live album from this tour. The last one was the pandemic already!

I enjoy it too but part of me does feel for audience members who may be less familiar with the band. The drum intro does drag on a little. Same goes for when they played 'Mister Dog Is Totally Right' live a year or so ago. You can just sort of feel the awkwardness that some audience are probably thinking "come on then!" as Crover just keeps doing the repetitive drum intro as nothing else happens. As fans of the band we understand how they sometimes like to drag these moments out. To build anticipation. But for the newcomer or regular rock fan i guess that takes them out of the "show" experience a bit.

[black stallion]

well, if people think like that you can tell they re not proper Melvins fans but more like generic listeners, which is totally possible

[))))((((]

I hope there's a live album from this tour.

Melvins - Stop Your Whining

1. Working The Ditch
2. The Bloated Pope
3. Never Say You're Sorry
4. Evil New War God
5. It's Shoved
6. Billy Fish
7. A History Of Bad Men
8. Blood Witch
9. Honey Bucket
10. Revolve
11. Your Blessened

[Colonel Cheese]

Sounds great to me. I missed my show(Houston) but weedeater didn't make it so I was a little less disappointed. I don't understand why they couldn't make it really though since they were just in Austin but whatever. I'm not mad at them about it.