Melvins’ New Single “Working The Ditch” is a Strange Introduction to Their New Album Tarantula Heart
To say the potent combination of minds that make up the strange outfit known as Melvins is an odd one would be putting it pretty lightly. Known for doing things their own way and throwing conventional wisdom to the wind, the band’s done some wild shit over the years — but their new album Tarantula Heart may be one of the weirdest ones yet.
Clocking in at just 39 minutes across five songs, the release is being billed by the band as potentially their “most unconventional, catchiest and imaginative work yet.” Which is saying something. Buzz Osbourne explains some of the thought process behind this new release.
“The way we approached Tarantula Heart was different than any other Melvins’ album. I had Dale [Crover] and Roy Mayorga come in and play along with Steven [McDonald] and I to some riffs, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to fit. This isn’t a studio approach we’ve ever taken. Usually we have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!”
The album’s first single, “Working the Ditch,” can be heard below. The accompanying music video was directed by Jesse Nieminen, who previously helmed the band’s short film A Walk With Love and Death.
What makes the album even more unique is the fact that it’s got two drummers. By bringing Ministry drummer Roy Mayorga into the fold, he adds a layer of depth to the rhythm alongside Dale Crover’s style of playing.
According to Crover, working with Mayorga was pretty easy, as they were willing to experiment as time went on.
“The majority of Tarantula Heart has dual drum parts. Roy is an amazing drummer. We would discuss what we would do pattern wise, then we’d just go for it. Improvising riffs and trading off on drum fills.”
Along with Mayorga’s inclusion with the album, We Are The Asteroid guitarist Gary Chester joins the other guys on the record. The album was mixed, co-produced and recorded by Toshi Kasai.
Tarantula Heart will be released on April 19 via Ipecac Recordings, though you can preorder your copy today. The band’s also got some tour dates lined up in Australia and Japan, so if you’re in the area and planning to be in the area, be sure to check out the dates below.
Tarantula Heart track list:
1. Pain Equals Funny
2. Working the Ditch
3. She’s Got Weird Arms
4. Allergic to Food
5. Smiler
Melvins tour dates:
March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall
March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall
March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall
March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion
March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall
March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City
March 17 Osaka, JP Music Club Janus
March 19 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
March 20 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
