Dude, You're Getting a Melvin

Focus isn't exactly what comes to mind when you think of the Melvins, a group that has indulged its every outlandish whim for more than a decade. Despite often fascinating results, even the most devoted fans' patience must have limits. On the flip-side, even if the Melvins pile on the...

By Saby Reyes-Kulkarni

November 2, 2006

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Focus isn't exactly what comes to mind when you think of the Melvins, a group that has indulged its every outlandish whim for more than a decade. Despite often fascinating results, even the most devoted fans' patience must have limits. On the flip-side, even if the Melvins pile on the weirdness too thickly and self-consciously for your liking, the fact remains — they can really tear it up. The Melvins have outlasted their foundation-laying association with grunge because they were always smart enough to satisfy a blatant Sabbath influence but not rehash the riffs. Apparently, while the Melvins were sewing their experimental oats more recently, they were also getting smarter, learning more about space and economy while no one was looking. With two drummers in the lineup now, you'd expect tumble-dry madness — which you might get on some songs — but if their latest album (A) Senile Animal is any indication, a beefier Melvins doesn't necessarily entail more fat.

The Melvins perform with Big Business Sunday, November 5, at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Call 954-564-1074, or visit www.cultureroom.net.

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