Since their 1988 debut, Mudhoney has survived a decade and a half of shifting music scenes and neglect from the wider music world. With their first new album since 1998, we must ask: have they avoided the soul sucking crapulence that haunts so many other bands that continue on into their second decade?
The short answer is, "yes". The slightly longer answer is, "Of course they have you schmuck, this is Mudhoney we're talking about here." The even longer answer is discussed below.
Since We've Become Translucent is the band's first new studio album since bassist Matt Lukin left the band in 1999, replaced by Guy Maddison (joining the three other original members, Mark Arm, Steve Turner, and Dan Peters). This may seem like sacrilege to old-time fans, but he seems to fit pretty well with the band. Also added, somewhat surprisingly to me at least, was a horn section.
Every Mudhoney album has a unique sound, while retaining a core Mudhoney feel, but I'll admit I was worried about the horns. All I could imagine was some kind of overwhelming Ska or Jazz sound trying to merge with the sweet, sweet MH fuzz. My fears were, of course, foolish. The horns are only used on a few songs, and when they are, they accentuate rather than overpower. Where The Flavor Is and Take It Like a Man are two tracks where the brass is strong, and they're both killer songs.
Aside from a first track that's a bit long for my tastes, every song is a good one. In terms of songwriting, I'd say it's somewhere between Every Good Boy and My Brother The Cow. Tracks vary from the straightforward The Straight Life to the long, venting, Sonic Infusion, but all are straight-up Mudhoney.
The new album is good. Not my favorite disc from Arm and company, but that's no knock when you consider the constant quality that these guys put out. They may be getting older (Arm is now in his 40s), but they ain't slowing down.
And if there's one band I want rockin' out until they're in their walkers and wheelchairs, it's Mudhoney.
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