Released 10 years ago
Basses Loaded
Melvins · 2016
45 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A cacophony of experimental noise and sludge metal, where playful absurdity meets heavy riffs in a chaotic sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Decay of Lying Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its sprawling length and intricate dynamics, showcasing the band's signature blend of heavy and experimental elements.
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Beer Hippie — With its infectious groove and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, this track captures the band's playful spirit while still delivering heavy riffs typical of their style.
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Planet Destructo — This song features a complex arrangement that oscillates between chaos and melody, exemplifying the Melvins' knack for crafting engaging yet unpredictable compositions.
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War Pussy — Blending humor with intensity, this track illustrates the band's ability to tackle serious themes through a lens of absurdity and raw energy.
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Take Me Out to the Ball Game — A quirky reinterpretation of the classic song, this closing track reflects the band's penchant for subverting expectations and offers a light-hearted end to a heavy album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative compositions and strong execution, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album features abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics, with tracks often transitioning from heavy riffs to quieter, more experimental sections.
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental passages and unexpected key changes.
- The final track is a playful cover of a well-known song, contrasting sharply with the preceding heavier material.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with energetic peaks
- chaotic yet cohesive listening experience
- for late-night exploration
- quirky humor in unexpected moments
- engaging mix of intensity and
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Features a chaotic blend of noise and sludge, showcasing a departure from their established sound.
- Themes
- punk nihilism· sludgy humor· chaotic energy
- Career context
- Released on June 3, 2016, Basses Loaded is the Melvins' 11th studio album during a prolific phase. By this time, the band had already established themselves as pioneers in the alternative and sludge metal scenes, with their prior album, Hold It In (2014), showcasing a collaboration with members of the band Butthole Surfers. This album continues to explore their avant-garde tendencies while incorporating diverse influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Big Business· The Jesus Lizard· Torche
Tracklist
- 1 The Decay of Lying Start here 6:35
- 2 Choco Plumbing 4:11
- 3 Beer Hippie 5:15
- 4 I Want to Tell You 3:13
- 5 Captain Come Down 2:54
- 6 Hideous Women 3:04
- 7 Shaving Cream 2:31
- 8 Planet Destructo 6:05
- 9 War Pussy 2:47
- 10 Maybe I’m Amused 2:45
- 11 Phylis Dillard 4:21
- 12 Take Me Out to the Ball Game 2:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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