Melvins are back, this time with an acoustic retrospective. One that goes as far back as Gluey Porch Treatment from 1987 and as recent as 2017’s Walk With Love & Death. Within the haystack of the track album are covers from Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper and Brainiac. Melvins‘ discography is often cited as an influence by many artists, ranging from Nirvana to The Devil Wears Prada. Now all that history is bundled into a four part album that looks to once again capture that magic.
It becomes apparent from the outside that the phrasing “(Acoustic)” doesn’t hold them back. The tracks on the album range from just over 2 minute toe-tappers in “Up The Dumper” to 8 minute social journeys with “Halo of Flies”. The latter seeing some of the best rhythm guitar with some wonderful plucked string grooves. Between all this and Crover’s soaring vocals more than do the famed song service.
There’s plenty to bounce between on Five Legged Dog. “Boris” originally from Bullhead hits the spot for those looking for a hint of that sludge sound Melvins innovated. The acoustic bass on this rumbles menacingly throughout the track, with a crashing high-hat among the coarse sounding drums to back it. The sheer variety on the album is impressive. “Civilised Worm” invokes lively and unforgiving drums, while “Suicide In Progress” is something to sing along to. The warm cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin'” brought a smile to my face while navigating through the album.
“Sway” from 1971’s Sticky Fingers, by the Rolling Stones, is one of the other covers to make an appearance on Five Legged Dog. With some immaculate mixing on the track, there’s a lovely touch of nostalgic joy to the way “It’s just that demon life that got me in its sway” chorus is delivered. Another standout on the album and Melvins showing they’re able to fulfil the bold picks when it comes to the covers on the album.
Five Legged Dog is an imposing album to navigate, however once one plunges into the sounds and strangeness of it, you begin to find your own way through it. Despite the 36 tracks, each twist and turn taken is something fresh to experience. For those who have listened to Melvins through the ages it will be a treat to pick away at, as each rendition brings life to old tracks. It’s also an example of how to reimagine and reinvent tracks, with the (Acoustic) label on tracks often becoming limited to a handful of chords. Melvins have shown that they can even put their hand to acoustic renditions and impress.
7.5/10