Coming back from the deadliness of a hiatus is tough stuff and most bands fall under the pressure or fade into the backdrop.
With a tour in progress and a new CD coming out, the question Friday at the Newport Music Hall was whether Puddle of Mudd could still play, especially after their last album, “Life on Display,” did not succeed.
The crowd has spoken, and the result is this: Puddle of Mudd has returned in full swing, appearing ready to reclaim their place in the limelight.
The band’s intro was a pulsating rhythm of tribal drums that resounded throughout the music hall, segueing into a cutting guitar solo by front man Wes Scantlin. The show’s journey was an escalating experience for the entire audience as Scantlin and his band made a point to involve them while staying true to their set. The band was energetic, entertaining and clearly committed to its music. The songs flowed unique to one another in brilliant harmonization.
Although the band’s chemistry is undeniable, it was lead singer Scantlin who truly shined. His stage presence is enough to seal the deal, but with the addition of immense talent on the guitar and his unique, gritty vocals, he has the makings of a legend.
Scantlin’s sound, style and appearance is similar to that of Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the revolutionary grunge band Nirvana. Puddle of Mudd’s cover of Nirvana’s “Breed” at Friday’s show was eerily identical to that of its original performers. And while most Puddle of Mudd fans might be aware of this likeness, the band would be wise to exude caution against coming across as imitators, but instead clarify a unique identity.
From Friday’s crowd response alone, Puddle of Mudd clearly has the chops, and it seems their time away from the spotlight has done them a lot of good. The singles they released at the show from their new CD, including “Psycho,” “Merry Go Round” and “Famous” were raw and entertaining, demonstrating the band’s evolution while staying true to the original sound.
When lead guitarist Christian Stone was asked about their new CD release, he claimed to be very happy with the way it turned out. “It sounds a lot like the first … (Abrasive) was a lot darker and this one has more of a poppy, radio single feel … we just really took our time on this and I think it sounds great.”
Puddle of Mudd’s opening band, South Carolina-based Deepfield, is an impressive new group. While most bands come off sounding cliché or formulaic, Deepfield has not conformed to the typical sound, but spawn a gritty grunge feel with a metal backdrop. While most openers get little crowd response, Deepfield was well-received, and may be making a name for themselves in the near future.
Puddle of Mudd’s new CD “Famous” will be released Oct. 9. Deepfield’s debut album “Archetypes and Repetition” is in stores now.
Alexandra Coleman can be reached at [email protected].
