Working With God

Released in 2021, Working With God marks a significant moment in the Melvins' extensive discography as it features the 'Melvins 1983' lineup. This iteration brings back original drummer Mike Dillard, with perennial powerhouse Dale Crover shifting to bass duties. This lineup previously appeared on 2013's Tres Cabrones, and here they continue to explore a more straightforward, punk-influenced version of their sludge sound. The album is notable for its prominent use of lyrical parodies, most famously 'I Fuck Around' (a reimagining of The Beach Boys' 'I Get Around') and '1 Fuck You' (a take on Harry Nilsson's 'You're Breakin' My Heart'). Sonically, the record balances the band's foundational heavy-slow riffs with a surprisingly melodic sensibility, particularly in the multi-part vocal harmonies. Critical reception, including from AllMusic, generally praised the album for its energy and the band's ability to remain vital and humorous decades into their career, noting that while it may be juvenile, it is executed with a level of musicality few of their peers can match.