Six Songs cover

Released 40 years ago

Six Songs

Melvins · 1986

70 min · 25 tracks · alternative rock

Raw, abrasive sounds collide with experimental structures, crafting a chaotic yet captivating auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Easy as It Was Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Grinding Process — This track exemplifies the band's heavy, sludgy sound while showcasing their knack for catchy riffs and dissonant melodies that would become hallmarks of their style.
  • →
    At a Crawl — With its slow tempo and haunting atmosphere, this song captures the essence of Melvins' ability to create tension through minimalism and repetition.
  • →
    #2 Pencil — This track features a unique blend of heavy guitar tones and off-kilter rhythms, illustrating the band's experimental approach to songwriting and arrangement.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • extended finale for deep immersion
  • raw and unpredictable listening experience
  • for quick intense sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of polished production
  • prefer long, cohesive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Melvins as pioneers of sludge metal, influencing the Seattle scene.
Themes
Seattle underground scene· punk energy chaos· dark humor aesthetic
Career context
Released in 1986, 'Six Songs' marks Melvins' debut EP and showcases their early blend of punk and heavy metal influences. This release positioned them at the forefront of the burgeoning grunge scene in Seattle, laying groundwork for their subsequent influential career.
Stylistic neighbors
Big Business· The Jesus Lizard· Torche
New to Melvins? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Easy as It Was Start here 2:54
  • 2 Now a Limo 0:55
  • 3 Grinding Process 2:37
  • 4 #2 Pencil 3:08
  • 5 At a Crawl 3:04
  • 6 Disinvite 1:22
  • 7 Snake Appeal 1:39
  • 8 Show Off Your Red Hands 2:57
  • 9 Over From Underground 2:22
  • 10 Cray Fish 3:06
  • 11 Easy as It Was Start here 2:39
  • 12 Now a Limo 0:53
  • 13 Grinding Process 2:44
  • 14 At a Crawl 3:13
  • 15 Disinvite 1:23
  • 16 Snake Appeal 1:52
  • 17 Set Me Straight 3:09
  • 18 Show Off Your Red Hands 2:57
  • 19 #2 Pencil 3:18
  • 20 Grinding Process 2:17
  • 21 Snake Appeal 1:43
  • 22 At a Crawl 2:52
  • 23 Operation Blessing 0:45
  • 24 Breakfast on the Sly 1:51
  • 25 Ever Since My Accident/Hugh 15:02

What to play next

Gluey Porch Treatments
Listen next

Gluey Porch Treatments

1987

Continues the raw, experimental vibe while expanding on chaotic structures.
10 Songs
Go back to

10 Songs

1986

Sets the stage with a similar raw sound, leading into the more experimental nature of Six Songs.
Full Melvins discography Where to start with Melvins Artists like Melvins
alternative rock experimental rock noise rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Sweet Oblivion

Sweet Oblivion

Screaming Trees

Shares the same gritty Seattle sound with raw vocals and heavy, sludgy guitar riffs.

Bleach

Bleach

Nirvana

Captures the chaotic punk energy and dark humor of the Seattle scene with a raw production style.

Ultramega OK

Ultramega OK

Soundgarden

Features experimental rock elements and sludgy riffs that resonate with Melvins' underground aesthetic.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata