Stoner Witch

by Melvins

Overview

The early to mid-'90s proved the Melvins' golden age, and the three principal albums from that period -- Stoner Witch provides the centerpiece -- are virtually unassailable in their range, depth, power, and experimental courage. Picking up on the basic framework of Houdini, Stoner Witch resolves into an ear-catching workup of classic rock themes, tempered, of course, with a fairly judicious sampling of acid-trip detours. Where Houdini resided more in an expansive -- though lugubriously heavy -- metal vein, refining the techniques built up through the band's early struggles, Stoner Witch truly showcases the band at the apex of their wide-ranging creative abilities. The melodies -- yes, melodies -- work seamlessly with the ubiquitous chugging riffs; Buzzo's vocals, often reminiscent of a David Thomas (Pere Ubu) after a few weeks of no-nonsense boot camp, are sometimes quiet and reflective, and more often than not, positively Stentorian. And naturally, drummer Dale Crover's percussion and pounding behind the kit is astonishing, powerful, and daring. The album opens with the distorted thud of "Skweetis," the amps and cymbals washing well into red-line territory before yielding to a three-count of heavy-duty classic rock with "Queen," "Sweet Willy Rollbar," and "Revolve." From that point on, there is a deliberate sea-change, beginning with the faux-lounge tweaking of "Goose Freight Train," the nearly unlistenable Merzbow-noise of "Magic Pig Detective," and ultimately the hammer-down hardcore of "June Bug" sandwiched between two ambient tracks: "Shevil" and the album closer, "Lividity." ~ Patrick Kennedy

Product Details

Release Date:	09/27/2024
Label:	Music On Vinyl
UPC:	8719262036734
Rank:	35679

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Melvins   Primary Artist
Mark D.   Guitar,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Dale Crover   Drums,Vocals
Buzz Osborne   Guitar,Vocals
Lori "Lorax" Black   Guitar (Bass)
King Buzzo   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Joe Barrisi   Engineer
Garth Richardson   Producer
King Buzzo   Lyricist,Composer
GGGarth   Producer
Mark Deutrom   Composer,Group Member
Melvins   Composer,Producer
Dale Crover   Composer
Buzz Osborne   Composer
Joe Barresi   Mixing,Engineer
Mackie Osborne   Composer,Art Direction
Geetus "Guido South" Aguto   Mixing Assistant,Assistant Engineer
Annalisa   Photography