The Melvins

The Melvins hit Brighton like a juggernaut tonight, their central twin drummers bearing down on the crowd like headlights on full beam. With founder Buzz Osborne and bassist Jared Warren on the flanks, the group pile-drove non-stop through their riff-heavy rock, its mix of 70s metal and speed-punk highlighting The Melvins’ crucial role in the development of grunge. Some complex rhythmic and vocal structures were revealed within the bludgeoning sound, and Osborne proved to be a devastatingly powerful guitarist. Rumours of a two hour-plus performance proved premature, leaving the audience battered but baying for more. A phenomenal gig nonetheless.

Concorde 2, 28 May 2012
Rating:
Stuart Huggett