M.R. Doc’s – Wilmington, DE
October 19, 1996

Photo by SDP

      With so many “cheesy” cover bands hitting the club circuit, a red flag should certainly go up when one hears that a band plays mostly covers. Enter Muthaload and all of these reservations fly right out of any club’s window, in fact, these guys are so convincing that you begin to question whether these songs really aren’t their own, and I don’t mean that they put on a good act; these boys are the real thing.

Muthaload brought their heavy grunge-fest to a stifling warm M.R. Doc’s on Saturday, October 19th. Long white candles burning in Bud bottles trickled across the stage built the dark atmosphere from which the band nonchalantly entered and assaulted the wall-to-wall crowd with a riveting version of Sponge’s “Plowed.” “Plowed” is exactly what they did as they ripped through numerous grunge-influenced covers (with a heavy dose of Alice In Chains and Stone Temple Pilots material) and three original tunes proceeding like an invincible juggernaut. The setting and marksmanship playing was enough to force one into believing that they were not in Delaware at all but rather catching the first glimpse of an up and rising band in some dingy Seattle club.

Vocalist Jeff Burns looked menacing but in a cool way in his black leather pants, motorcycle jacket, leather gloves, and dark sunglasses, and he had a strong growl and commanding stage presence to back it up. Although he was unable to remember the correct moniker of the opening band Big Toe when thanking them (he referred to them as Big Thumb), once Muthaload was cranked full-throttle into their sonic attack, the audience was probably incapable of recalling their name as well – and they weren’t bad either.

These Muthaload guys worship at the altar of Alice (In Chains, that is) as evidenced from their faithful renditions of Chains selections (“Damn That River,” “And We Die Young,” “Down in a Hole,” and “Man in the Box”). Guitarist Mark Dunn appeared particularly at home in this territory replicating Alice guitarist Jerry Cantrell’s signature solos and sweet harmonies on “Down in a Hole” – from the observed reaction of the couples present (make-out sessions and slow dancing), the band was able to convert this song of despair into a romantic love ballad.

It is right here in “Chainland” where Muthaload must have received inspiration for their own songs. The three original songs the band interspersed throughout their set (“Sidejaw Johnny,” “Welcome to My World,” and the debut of a yet to be titled tune) did not sound at all out of place among the covers. The powerful standout track “Welcome to My World” even made for a fitting segue-way as Chuck Lee’s rumbling bass led into the opening riff of Tool’s “Sober.”

Even the non-grunge covers were Muthaload-ed. The band transformed Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” and Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” into raunchy garage versions. Burns even apologized for the inclusion of the latter song calling it “fruity” – no apology necessary, Jeff.

Photo by SDP

Muthaload walks an isolated path as far as cover bands go. They offer diversity, tight playing, originality, and assume a dynamic stage aura. Judging by the ferocity by which drummer Mike Christina attacked his kit, the band was definitely out to prove something or else he was just in pain. As the evening was closing, the band dipped into their bag of goodies and fired up an energized version of the relatively unknown Pat Travers’ gem “Snortin’ Whiskey, Drinkin’ Cocaine.” Because of the conviction with which they played the song, I wasn’t sure if they just enjoyed playing it or if they were really accusing the audience.

One thing is for sure: Muthaload delivered the goods and judging from the number of bodies on the dance floor “cutting the rug,” this was a unanimous decision. Who knew grunge could be so danceable? As the band closed their set, a female patron could be overheard yelling, “they better play some more or I am going to be pissed.” Unfortunately, we all must remain pissed until Muthaload plays again.

If you consider yourself a music fan and you do not go see this band, you are nothing more than a hypocrite. Poor Dee Snider of Twisted Sister “fame” had to actually follow these fellows at The Big Kahuna on October 30th, luckily Muthaload has no Twisted Sister covers on their set list.

Muthaload will be playing at M.R. Doc’s again on November 16th and then a week later at Pancho O’hara’s on the 22nd. GO! These dudes are the epitome of cool incarnated.