Never Breathe What You Can't See

Jello Biafra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alternative Tentacles
• ASIN: B0002VES3M
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,306 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This is a musical monster of massive proportions, bristling with Jello's manic energy and anchored by the sheer heft of the Melvins' collective heaviness. With both camps flexing their musical prowess, the result is something that retains the signature qualities of both artists and yet sounds refreshingly unlike anything that either has recorded in the past.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little disappointing, but., October 26, 2004

By 

B. "busternaut" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Breathe What You Can't See (Audio CD)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb album, one which Jello & Melvins fans should love!, January 22, 2005

By 

Dave Hidebound (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Breathe What You Can't See (Audio CD)

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!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best "Jello Biafa and..." discs, July 1, 2005

By 

Robert Rafuse (Peabody, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Never Breathe What You Can't See (Audio CD)

First let me say, I've been a fan of Jello Biafra's music starting with the Dead Kennedys, loved most of his 'Jello Biafra and ...' one-off discs, and really dug most of Lard (being also a Ministry fan).

Jello Biafa and the Melvins' "Never Breath What You Can't See" is probably tied for my favorite 'Jello Biafa and...' disc, along with EP Jello Biafra and D.O.A.'s "Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors". I wasn't a huge Melvins fan (more due to lack of exposure to them than outright dislike) but after listening to "Never Breath...", I'll definitely be checking out more of their catalog. The combo of the Melvins and Jello on several songs evoke a bit of the Dead Kennedys best disc "Frankenchrist".

"Plethysmograph" has quickly become probably my favorite post-DK Jello song. . "Yuppie Caddillac" seems like an updated nod to the DK song "Winnebego Warrior". I also liked "McGruff..." and "Enchanted Thoughtfist". The other songs are pretty standard Jello rant tunes, but they rise above the stuff on the other 'Jello and...' discs because of the Melvins' playing.

My only real complaint - and its minor - is that the song topics focus a ~bit~ much on Islam/9-11 stuff, though its not too surprising given the times.

If you're a Jello fan, I highly recommend this disc.