Various Artists

Item: We Reach: The Music of the Melvins
Author: Jacob Gehman

We Reach: The Music of the Melvins

(2005)

Reviewed by Jacob Gehman

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Label Fractured Transmitter Recording CompanyDecapolisOctober 2005

experimental sludge metal

This isn't going to shock anyone, but tribute albums rarely succeed. They're just not something worth purchasing unless you are both a fan of the artist being covered and the bands doing the covering. I mean, most artists don't even deserve tribute albums and those that do probably shouldn't have one. I mean, if you're someone like Bob Dylan very few artists could successfully cover one of your songs. Particularly the sort of artists pop culture would want to get to cover a Dylan song.

The Melvins have been very influential over the years so it's not surprising that, despite their low profile and lack of mainstream recognition, they get the tribute treatment. Their low profile means we avoid less-than-mediocre bands like Linkin Park or Korn trying to do a cover, but enough cool major artists have been influenced by them that there are some big names that appear on this album.

The best track of the lot would be Strapping Young Lads' version of "Zodiac." Other major contributions would be The Dillinger Escape Plan (covering "Honey Bucket"), Mastodon ("The Bit"), and Dog Fashion Disco ("Anaconda").

Of interest to fans of the genre would be the different collaborations that happen. High on Fire teams up with Keelhaul for "Oven." Isis and Agoraphobic Nosebleed do "Boris." And "Laughing With Lucifer At Satan's Sideshow" gets both CKY and Gnarkill's attention.

There are definitely high points and low points on this tribute. The overall feeling is a bit lackluster and lifeless, though. If you are a hardcore Melvins fan or really enjoy the genre stylings represented here you may enjoy this album. Otherwise you won't be missing anything by passing on it.