Last Friday, Portland’s Mississippi Studios played host to an unexpected sonic journey. King Buzzo Osbourne, the iconic frontman of The Melvins, teamed up with Mr. Bungle bassist Trevor Dunn for a stripped-down, acoustic set under the moniker King Dunn. Trading their signature electric sound for a more intimate approach, the duo delivered an hour-long performance that left the audience captivated.
The duo opened the night with a performance of the Melvins’ “Hung Bunny/Roman Dog Bird.” Osbourne paced the intimate stage of Mississippi Studios while furiously strumming his guitar and swaying to the music. Dunn’s passionate playing of the beautiful upright bass complemented Osbourne’s energy. After several minutes of back and forth, Osbourne stepped to the microphone and delivered a dark, brooding vocals. His deep tones blended seamlessly with the venue’s ambiance as the stage was bathed in blue and pink light.
The evening was a blend of acoustic versions of Melvins songs and King Buzzo’s solo material. Dunn’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he occasionally used a bow, creating a sound more akin to a concert hall. These touches, combined with Osbourne’s distinctive vocals, provided a truly captivating experience for the two hundred attendees. The music flowed uninterrupted for a full hour, allowing the audience ample opportunity to express their appreciation. Osbourne addressed the crowd only once, offering a simple “Thank you” before exiting the stage to enthusiastic applause.
The “King Dunn” tour makes its way across the United States through September before then making their way to Europe for a string of dates in October. Full list of dates can be found below. King Buzzo’s 2020 album, “Gift of Sacrifice,” featuring Trevor Dunn, is available on all major streaming platforms.
