According to the commercial, nothing satisfies that hunger for something crunchy and chewy and filling better than Snickers bar. Well, this writer begs to differ. You see, something has come along that is just as good, if not better, at satisfying that urge than a Snickers. And this has zero calories, but just enough “phat” to pack a punch! In walks a band of 4 hoodlums, freshly bounced from Kansas City, Missouri and into the ears of America, that have dubbed themselves Puddle of Mudd. Mmmmmm, tasty!
About 5 years ago, a close friend of mine (who was born and raised in Kansas City) and I were playing a bunch of music for each other over the phone. One of those bands he played for me was a local band he had a demo from called Puddle of Mudd. I was taken with them way back then, even over the tinny digital phone earpiece. To see the band emerge with a polished sound just as heavy and smooth as it was all those years ago makes me proud to be part of this industry. I only wish I had the money and the connections that evil bastard Durst does. He’d be sharing some of the A&R credit on this record with me! Dammit! But you know what? I’m not bitter. I’m happy that Puddle of Mudd finally got the chance and the recognition they deserve.
Let’s discuss the upcoming release Come Clean, which hits the streets on August 14th. The disc opens with the single, which has been getting decent rotation on our “so-called” rock station here, in Los Angeles. KROQ has even dubbed Puddle of Mudd one of their buzz bands by spinning the track “Control” on more than one occasion. More power to the band. “Control” is a rock n’ roll tribute to the darker side of sexuality and fetish (we like this!), and it’s an awesome song. I can just hear the L.A. girls talking about it now. “You know the one with that part that goes “I like the way you smack my ass!” Heh.
“Control” is sultry, straightforward, and groovy with Wes Scantlin’s vocal stylings being a dead ringer for Scott Weiland at some points, and even little touches of Tim Narducci from Systematic and Henry Font of Pist On in others. This is especially apparent on track 4, “Nobody Told Me.” Check that out, and see what you think.
There are so many familiar elements to this material, and they are reminiscent of so many of the bands that I admire that it is a natural thing to dig Puddle Of Mudd. I can hear silverchair, emo touches ala Jimmy Eat World, a lot of Nirvana (check out the vocals on “She Hates Me”) and a lot of Alice In Chains, which evolved into Stone Temple Pilots, which evolved into Cold which evolved into Staind… hmm. The Cold and Staind thing – that could be a pattern down that Durst road again. Dammit! But please don’t make the mistake of letting those influences and similarities get in the way of your listening enjoyment. Although this will not be the most “original” music you’ve ever heard, and really, who IS truly unique these days anyway, this really is good stuff.
“Blurry” is one of the sweeter moments on Come Clean. Lots of great guitar work from Wes again, and also from Paul Phillips. There are plenty of layers and quality song writing ability displayed here. This track is gorgeous, and it deserves a special place on the playlist. Another Nirvana/AIC-template track called “Bring Me Down” will please those of us who are jonesing for another bite of either of the obviously influential, long lost megabands. And if you’re seeking some slow and solid melodic fare, be sure to give “Said” a listen.
Simply put, if you’re hungry for something familiar and still altogether satisfying, pass by the snack machine and pay a visit to your local music pimp on August 14th. Packed with great songs, Puddle of Mudd really satisfies.
Lesa Pence
– lesa@unearthed.com
