The Melvins at House of Rock

The Melvins rolled into town on a Tuesday night and played to a packed, standing room only House Of Rock. The last time The Melvins played El Paso, according to singer Buzz Osbourne was, “in 1986 somewhere in a warehouse where the inside walls were all blown out.” History may have repeated itself only in reverse because The Melvins blew the walls out of HOR with their music and stage performance.

Local bands that were listed on the bill were bumped off and because of it the show started early with long time punk veterans the Unsane opening the show. After the Unsane delivered a strong straightforward set the crowd was ready when The Melvins came out. With his trademark graying Afro hair, Buzz launched the show belting out anger on both the vocals and guitar while bassist Jared Warren held the bass thunder low while drummers Dale Crover and Coady Willis stole the show. The drummers played simultaneously and against each other through out the night making it an instant drum clinic for all musicians in attendance. The collective unit was an example of timing and precision amidst different musical movements, breaks, and effects. Even those unfamiliar with The Melvins long history of music, could not leave unimpressed by the band’s solid performance. It was a rare El Paso performance for a Band whose career spans 30 years. Hopefully they wont wait another 16 years to pass this way again.

Txt: A. Lawless

Photos: Joe Bocanegra