Mudhoney – Electric Ballroom, London 2024

JE Vistics

Opening the night tonight is the straight up rock and roll of JE Vistics, fronted by the charismatic John E Vistic, a natural performer who brings a strong energy to the band’s half hour. There’s a psychedelic tinge to their sound, helped by some incredible melodies played on saxophone and some more wild guitar parts, with the bass and drums locked in. I’ll admit, this style of music isn’t normally my kind of thing, but it’s impossible not to enjoy the songs when they’re performed this well and in such a lively way.

Mudhoney

In-between bands the DJ on stage is pelting out a excellent selection, played at a volume most headline band would be happy with – I can’t remember the last time I needed my ear plugs between acts! After a bit of a wait, Mudhoney take to the stage. The energy in the crowd jumps up a few levels instantly, a sizeable mosh pit opening up near the front, the odd crowd surfer flying over the barrier. Not a surprise for a band often touted as the godfathers of grunge but the sound was on point all evening; fuzzy guitars, absolutely pounding drums, a real audible treat. Obviously they’ve got quite a large discography to choose from and it’s great to hear early singles like Touch Me I’m Sick, which got an incredible response from the audience.

Laden with sludgy guitar parts and plenty of big solos throughout, it’s pretty obvious why so many bands were inspired by Mudhoney, it looks like they’re having fun – it genuinely feels as though the band are still enjoying playing early material, some of which was recorded before I was even born. The energy they give off is mirrored by the die hard fans down the front who are hanging on every last distorted note. With an impressive 28 songs in an hour and a half set and an encore that featured Suck You Dry and Here Come Sickness, Mudhoney leave a busy Electric Ballroom suitably satisfied. An impressive set covering a huge discography, Mudhoney’s live sound is perfect for their style.