MUSIC REVIEW: THE MELVINS – Pinkus Abortion Technician

Label: Ipecac Recordings

Release Date: April 20, 2018

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

The Melvins have always found a way to stand out in the musical crowd, whether releasing solo style album ala KISS, or incorporating a multitude of guitarists or drummers on different releases.  On their 27th studio album – Pinkus Abortion Technician – they again went above and beyond the norm and recruited a second bassist to help drive the bottom end of these eight tracks home.  “Stop Moving To Florida” is a cool mashup of the James Gang’s “Stop” and Butthole Surfers’ “Moving To Florida” and this works perfectly to kick this collection off.  The vibe for the next 37 minutes is set and we are off and running.  The shortest track on the disc, “Embrace The Rub,” is a cool track that really showcases the double bass sound of the disc and allows the band to do what they do best… blend their grunge roots with punk styling and deliver a song that gets you moving.  This one should go over perfectly in a live setting.  “Flamboyant Duck” has a cool groove woven into it that keeps you engaged from first note to last.  Buzz Osbourne’s guitar work resonates perfectly in the mix while drummer Dale Crover leads the charge with percussion that keeps everything and everyone in check.  “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is an amazing revision of the Beatles classic.  The fuzzy guitars, the deeper vocals, and the amazing bass breakdowns during the verses give this song a different life and sound.  While listening to this one, you can’t help but recall the original, but in no way is this simply a cover… this is a nod to the bands various influences while incorporating their own DNA into the song.

“Don’t Forget To Breathe” takes almost eight minutes of the disc, but the various sounds and nuances rolled into the track keep this one flowing and avoids any stale feeling longer tracks can have.  The vocals are cool and add depth to the vibe of the song while the drums and double bass anchor the track and the guitars that jump out during the bridges complete this musical circle.  “Break Bread” is a straight ahead rocker that comes out swinging and dares you to not rock out.  The vocals are perfect for the vibe of the track and the double bass attack of Steven McDonald and Jeff Pinkus elevate this track.  Don’t skip this track, as you might miss out on the best guitar solo on the disc.  “Prenup Butter” is one of the oddest tracks on the disc, in that the acoustic guitar that kicks this one off really threw me for a loop.  Once the bands kicks in and delivers a fun bass-filled bottom end and cool drum fills that provide a cool foundation for the guitars and vocals, this song takes on a new life without drowning out the aforementioned acoustic blend.  This is another track that will allow each guy in the band step into the spotlight in a live situation.  Disc closer “Graveyard” sees another Butthole Surfers’ track getting ‘Melvinized.’  The song chugs along nicely, supported by the bass and drums in the tracks underbelly while the guitars and vocals dance across the mix.  While this disc may not BE for everyone, it certainly HAS something for everyone!

Tracklisting: Stop Moving To Florida – Embrace The Rub – Don’t Forget To Breathe – Flamboyant Duck – Break Bread – I Want To Hold Your Hand – Prenup Butter – Graveyard

THE MELVINS LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINKUS ABORTION TECHNICIAN – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews