According to a press release, the LP is arguably the band's most unconventional, catchy and imaginative work to date, continuing a legacy celebrated for its eccentric and extraordinary output.
"The way we approached 'Tarantula Heart' was unlike any other Melvins album," explains Buzz Osborne. "I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play some riffs with Steven and I, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to go with it. That's not a studio method we've ever used. We usually have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!"
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According to a press release, the LP is arguably the band's most unconventional, catchy and imaginative work to date, continuing a legacy celebrated for its eccentric and extraordinary output.
"The way we approached 'Tarantula Heart' was unlike any other Melvins album," explains Buzz Osborne. "I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play some riffs with Steven and I, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to go with it. That's not a studio method we've ever used. We usually have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!"
"The majority of 'Tarantula Heart' consists of two drum parts," adds longtime Melvins drummer Dale Crover. "Roy is an amazing drummer. We discussed what we wanted to do with the patterns and then we just went for it. We improvised riffs and swapped drum fills."
In reality, nothing is made up out of thin air. Buzz spent many hours with the drum tracks and wrote songs himself to what he heard on the drums. "When the rest of the band heard the songs I had created during the sessions, they were blown away," says Buzz. "They were fully developed new songs that they had never heard before and had seemingly come out of nowhere. Presto!"
The album was recorded, mixed and co-produced by long-time Melvins collaborator Toshi Kasai, with We Are The Asteroid guitarist Gary Chester also on board. The history of Gary and the Melvins goes back to their days at Boner Records, as the guitarist used to be part of the legendary band ED Hall.
In addition to the three core members, the album also features drummer Roy Mayorga (Ministry, Soulfly, Stone Sour and Nausea) and We Are The Asteroid guitarist Gary Chester, with whom the Melvins had recently toured.
More than ever, this album reveals the diverse influences that inform Buzz's creative process. Be it Judy Garland classics, The Birthday Party or the improvisational approach of Miles Davis.
"Tarantula Heart" not only sounds good, no, it also looks good with the brilliant cover artwork by Mackie Osborne.
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