Search - Jello Biafra & the Melvins :: Never Breathe What You Can't See

A little disappointing, but.

B. | Chicago, IL | 10/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a big fan of both Jello and the Melvins, I had some pretty high hopes for this album. You get to expect a certain degree of creativity and/or experimentation from the Melvins, and that isn't really represented here. I suppose it should be stressed that this is more of a Jello Biafra record using the Melvins as his backing band, rather than a true collaboration. Jello wrote all of the lyrics (which are biting as ever), and most of the music (the three or four really fantastic songs on the album were either written by or with Buzz), so this album's not a whole lot different than, say, his collaborations with D.O.A. and Nomeansno.



Not to say that it's a bad CD. It's definitely one of the best of this year. Just don't go in with the wrong expectations, and you'll probably enjoy the hell out of it."

Best Since DK?

Alex S. Wilson | The LBC, CA United States | 03/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got turned on to DK in the late 80's, and never got to see them live, but they've always been my favorite punk band. I didn't get into Lard much, and lost touch with Biafra's output since then. I love the Melvyns, though, so I got this - it completely rocks.



It sounds more like Biafra's album than the Melvyns, but the Melvyn's are so muscular (Rutmanis on bass has been and continues to be a huge addition to the band) that they really bring the songs to a very high quality level, and Biafra's vocals are to Punk what Easy E's were to RAP.



Great album."

Superb album, one which Jello & Melvins fans should love!

Dave Hidebound | California | 01/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit that I was really nervous playing this CD at first because I have high expectations for such an all-star pairing. I shouldn't have worried because "Never Breathe..." had all of the dynamic, high-octane noise-punk I've come to expect from these guys. It's a thrill to hear both parties come up with new music that's just as exciting as their earlier work.



The Melvins have always been amazing, but I've especially appreciated their newer albums like "Hostile Ambient Takeover." That one served notice that they're still decimating everything in sight. This newest outing launches a similar all-out approach, but King Buzzo & company purposefully play more noticeably "standard" (for them!) hardcore punk-influenced structures. That's no insult, however, and this really brought to mind mid-period Black Flag combined with the Dead Kennedys' progressive "Frankenchrist"-style songs. This puppy is LOUD and non-stop.



As for Jello, he provides his always great song topics (probably the one songwriter whose lyric sheet I read front-to-back) with his classic voice, and he's as enthusiastic as he was with his '90s collaborations. In particular, it's on par (maybe even better: still haven't decided yet) with the muscular post-hardcore album he did with Nomeansno back in 1991, but with the real abrasive Lard edge. "Yuppie Cadillac" is the track I keep playing over and over, but the entire disc is really strong, and my other favorites are "McGruff the Crime Dog" and the slam-into-a-wall, sludgy closer "Dawn of the Locusts."



If you're a fan of either artist, this is a great album which you shouldn't hesitate to pick up. This and the Melvins' earlier CD with Lustmord are easily my two favorite albums of 2004, and Jello's really picking up where he left off with Lard's "Pure Chewing Satisfaction." This CD is a dream pairing, and if you like your music edgy and challenging, definitely check it out!"