Melvins are perhaps known best for their influence on Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain, who frequently cited the group as one of his largest musical inspirations during his lifetime, as well as its influence on contemporary sludge metal virtuosos Mastodon (drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor cites this album as a massive influence as well).
Cobain was actually involved in the production of this album and played a huge role in Melvins getting signed to major label Atlantic Records in the early 90’s. After Nevermind blew up, Cobain had a lot more influence on the label’s direction. Cobain’s input during the recording process was nothing short of tragic however– he was strung out on heroin at the time, consistently missed recording sessions, and was ultimately fired by the band midway through the recording sessions.
Houdini is notable for its homage to Black Sabbath, with its drudgy sludge metal guitar riffs and dissonant lead vocal lines that belie the pop instincts found on the album underneath the half-time doom metal gallivanting. Considering the context in which Houdini was written– in the last throes of grunge’s primal yell on a major label with a close friend in Cobain who propelled the genre into the mainstream but whose collaboration was cut short due to a crippling drug addiction– this stands as a defining album of early 90’s rock that represents all of the excesses and pain that provided a canvas for those artists to paint.
Standout Songs: “Night Goat”, “Lizzy”, “Honey Bucket”
