By Nick Romanow

Mudhoney is best known as one of the originators of grunge. The Seattle-based band has long been known as the band that never quite had the same commercial of critical success as their followers, despite the fact that they pioneered the sludgy, punk-based sound that changed the face of rock music. Almost 20 years into their career, Mudhoney is one of the few bands remaining from the scenes and, upon listening to “Under a Billion Suns,” it is clear they have no intention of slowing down.

While Mudhoney is best known for playing a kind of music that emphasizes sloppiness, it is clear that over the years they have become a tight unit. “Under a Billion Suns” paints a picture of a band that bridged the gap between The Stooges garage punk and Queens of the Stone Age stoner-rock. Singer Mark Arm sounds as vicarious as ever and the distorted, bluesy guitars sound perfectly in place, but never tired or clich