MELT REVIEWS

E.P. Review: Inalab – The Commons

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Artist: Inalab

EP: The Commons

Genre: Orchestral/Electronic/Pop

Label: Self-released

Rating: 9/10

Hailing from New Delhi, musician Gaurav Balani has played with numerous musicians primarily playing bass, so he is an experienced musician who knows his away around collaborations, and his ambition most definitely shows on his debut E.P. The Commons under his project “Inalab.” Assembling musicians Shruti Dhasmana on vocals, Suyash Gabriel on drums, and Archit Anand and Shashank Singhania on keys and flute, Balani has composed a grandiose work of art that’s carefully constructed as opposed to sounding too self-indulgent. Rich in orchestral arrangements and a hint of Progressive Rock, The Commons fearlessly blends various genres and the result is an epic journey that contains a large cinematic tone. This E.P. ranges from jam band excitement to roaring songs with Dhasmana delivering soaring vocals that perfectly reflect the infectiously dramatic tone. There is never an empty space on this E.P. as the rhythm section manages to be distinct but never overbearing, the keys and sound textures add an Electronic element that brings forth a spacey and atmospheric tone, and the flute arrangements are undeniable as they soar majestically. Dhasmana’s powerful vocals grounds the music and makes it human contrasting the otherworldly sounds of the instrumentation. This is the perfect example of how a musical composition can be immensely detailed without sounding over-produced and can be translated flawlessly live, and that’s no easy feat. The Commons is some of the most inspired and utterly addictive music i’ve heard all year. I’m begging to hear more.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

E.P. Review: Sacrilege – Grey Skies & Palm Trees

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Artist: Sacrilege

EP: Grey Skies & Palm Trees

Genre: Hip Hop

Label: Self-released

Rating: 8/10

Just when I was starting to lose faith in contemporary Hip Hop, out from the underground emerges two Hip Hop scholars from the Central Valley to slap me back into reality. The reality being that Hip Hop with true artistry is far from dead, and this is a refreshing realization. With MC Zak Gutierrez A.K.A. Sacrilege and Aidan Lozano A.K.A. USB on production, Grey Skies & Palm Trees is just what Hip Hop fiends unsatisfied with the current Hip Hop landscape littered with generic Trap beats and mumble clones have been yearning for, but by no means does this E.P. carry an overbearing “old head” mentality. Instead, Sacrilege delivers introspective lyricism more focused on confronting his personal demons and past hardships to work toward a better tomorrow than telling us all how dope he is. He doesn’t need to tell us how dope he is. It’s clear the guy can fuck you up on the mic, and what better way to compliment his flow than to back him with “Boom Bap” dominated production that’s immaculately produced with an incredible attention to detail that’s distinct enough to separate itself from dusty old lo-fi beats of yesterday. This is music that evokes the spirit of underground Hip Hop of the 2000’s, but at the same time isn’t stuck in the past, and it’s clear that Sacrilege is on a mission to take Hip Hop back to a place of artistic integrity. This one’s for the culture. This is only the beginning.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

Puscifer Share New Song “Apocalyptical”

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Maynard James Keenan is no stranger to the subject of the apocalypse or the end of the world. Just listen to TOOL’s “Aenima” and you’ll get an idea of his opinion on the matter. Now in 2020, a time where “the end of the world,” is unlikely but doesn’t sound far fetched as this pandemic separates the smart ones who heed the warnings from the toilet paper hoarders, Keenan faces this subject head-on with his band Puscifer’s new single “Apocalyptical.” This is the band’s first release in five years following the band’s last album Money Shot, and it features Keenan and fellow member Carina Round trading vocal duties as we’ve come to expect that of the band by now. This track is very “Puscifer” with Electronic-laden production combined with guitars and drums that sound very reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s “Intruder.” It’s an interesting track, and the music video is even more interesting. You can watch the music video for “Apocalyptical” below:

E.P. Review: Blue Orchid Reaction – Four Chord Theory

Artist: Blue Orchid Reaction

EP: Four Chord Theory

Genre: Indie Rock/Post-Punk

Label: Self-released

Rating: 7/10

It’s rare when a band can capture the live experience in the studio. Four-piece band “Blue Orchid Reaction” have done it in a way that seems effortlessly on their new E.P. Four Chord Theory, but there is nothing half-assed about their music whatsoever, because the attention to structure and clean production is proof that the band ain’t screwing around. Four Chord Theory is a fitting title, because these songs are instrumentally simplistic, evoking the spirit of minimal “Indie Rock” and even “Post-Punk” that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Senses Working Overtime compilation, but the way these songs flow, the drive, and the passion are all complex. Not one beat or note is wasted as the band deliver a well thought out interplay with an ever-changing structure that never strays into patience testing repetition, and like I mentioned earlier, these are songs that you can just hear live. I mean, I dare you to not clap along to the track “Beta Makeup,” a Punk-driven track that was born to be played live, and considering our situation at the moment, not knowing when we’ll be able to see live bands again, music that gives you the illusion that you’re experiencing live music is just what us concert fiends need. This E.P. does feel like a tease, because the short length leaves you wanting more. It’s almost as if the band are cooking up something even better than the solid material they’ve given us so far, and i’m ready to hear it. Let’s see what you got next guys. No pressure.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

Jehnny Beth Shares New Song “Heroine”

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While we’re all patiently awaiting the release of Jehnny Beth’s debut solo album To Love Is To Live, Beth has shared another new track off the upcoming album titled “Heroine,” and it is an anthem of self-empowerment. About the song, Beth has stated “I guess I’m telling this story because sometimes we look around for role models, and examples to follow, without realizing that the answer can be hidden inside of us. I was afraid to be the heroine of the song, but it took all the people around me to get me there.” Her album To Love Is To Live will be released on June 12th. You can listen to “Heroine” below:

Deftones’ “Diamond Eyes” Turns 10

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On this day in 2010 “Deftones” released their sixth album Diamond Eyes. Following the completion of their album Eros, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng was seriously injured in a car accident that left him in a coma. The band decided to put the release of Eros on hold and started playing shows with bassist Sergio Vega. Unsure of when Chi Cheng would make a full recovery, the band decided to record a brand new album with Sergio Vega. The band felt that Eros didn’t represent where the band was at the time, and wanted to record something more optimistic as opposed to the darker album they had just recorded, and considering the circumstances with Cheng at the time, optimism is definitely what the band needed. This resulted in Diamond Eyes, an album that was instrumentally straight-forward with the band going back to their roots writing and recording together as a unit and avoiding the use of Pro Tools. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, this album found the band sounding their most raw, hearkening back to the days of Adrenaline and Around the Fur, but at the same time improving on their stunning combination of The Cure-esque guitar melodies and visceral heaviness. Chi Cheng unfortunately passed away in 2013, but the band is still strong today carrying the spirit of Chi Cheng, who is still a member in my opinion despite his passing. Rest In Peace Chi, and Happy Anniversary Diamond Eyes.

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E.P. Review: Lucky Iris – Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home

Artist: Lucky Iris

EP: Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home

Genre: Pop/Alternative Pop/Indie Pop

Label: Self-released

Rating: 8/10

Remember when we used to be able to go out? Seems like forever ago doesn’t it? Though it was fun to spend a night out on the town bar hopping, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people, there were also those nights where things didn’t go according to plan. Where we’d end up alone, surrounded by laughing people having fun while we stared at our phones to look busy and less alone. Where are the club anthems about those nights? Leeds duo “Lucky Iris” haven’t forgotten about those nights, and they’ve captured that feeling perfectly on their debut E.P. Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home. Formerly of the band “Everyday People,” “Lucky Iris” consists of vocalist Maeve and producer Jasper, and their chemistry is impeccable as the two create Pop music with an Alternative edge mixing a bit of Indietronica, R&B, and piano lead sentiment that is as heavy on self-realization as it is melancholy. Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home isn’t a preachy statement, but it is a deep look inward that frequently looks outward at the same time. It’s a concept E.P. about the nights of feeling the need to fill that void with validation from others, and with this dive into this reality these songs realize the superficiality that comes out of it all. “When I was younger I was told to be kind and look nice, but to be seen and not heard. Then they taught me to argue, how to think for myself, but now i’m too outspoken, they still call me little girl” sings Maeve on the opening track “Get Ready With Me,” a song that notices roles we feel like we must play when it comes to social situations, but instead of having a “humanity is doomed” tone, “Get Ready With Me” feels like it has two meanings. On the surface it sounds like our narrator is getting ready for a night out, but there can also be an underlying message of self-acceptance as she encourages us to get ready for a better human condition if we were to just acknowledge who we truly are instead of succumbing to social norms. At least that’s my interpretation. The following track “Take 5 (Why Can’t You See Me?)” is a beautiful piano-driven song about the feeling of isolation as you’re alone but surrounded by people who look right through you. It’s vulnerable and quite possibly the biggest tearjerker on the E.P. That’s what’s so fascinating and refreshing about this music, it’s honest, it’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and it’s a look at how social norms can truly damage someone’s self-esteem and mental state, but it isn’t all a grim look into those nights. “Glitter Vision” is the most danceable track which is fitting seeing as how the subject is about the point where you start to appreciate your own company and dance the night away by yourself, unafraid of the feelings of alienation, but like the frequent ups and downs of life, this track is immediately followed by a broken mindset on the closing track “Fell Backwards.” It’s a painful listen and I mean that in the kindest way possible. Since this is a concept album, which to me is like a film, I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it leaves the listener on a sad note as our narrator feels alone, broken, and unsure what to do following everything she’s done to appease others only to feel like she’s falling backwards. It’s a lot to take in. If you were to restart this E.P. over again you’d get that mood shift again, like a constant loop, much like the shifting moods of our lives. This is a fascinating listen because it doesn’t glorify the partying lifestyle. It by no means says going out is devoid of it’s fun and memorable times, but it is a reminder that things can be very shallow out there, and that we should treat each other better, including yourself. Here’s to when we can go out again.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

https://luckyirisband.hearnow.com/?fbclid=IwAR29bLo2Jdf-_TsuZug7gg4ND-FIRaUAXKjIjvRIy5mk4P9zvr6joPGu9lc

Run The Jewels Share New Music Video for “Oooh LA LA”

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It’s looking like the release of RTJ4 is near, as “Run The Jewels” have been at it again releasing two brand new tracks and now a music video for one of the tracks “Ooh LA LA.” The song features a Greg Nice sample from the “Gang Starr” track “DWYCK,” and it is an earworm of a hook while DJ Premier provides the cuts. About the music video “RTJ” have stated “This video is a fantasy of waking up on a day that there is no monetary system, no dividing line, no false construct to tell our fellow man that they are less or more than anyone else. Not that people are without but that the whole meaning of money has vanished. That we have somehow solved our self created caste system and can now start fresh with love, hope, and celebration. It’s a dream of humanity’s V-DAY… and the party we know would pop off.” The video also features Greg Nice, DJ Premier, and someone who goes by the name Zack? He’s from a little band called “Rage Against The Machine?” You might have heard of them. You can watch the music video for “Ooh LA LA” below:

E.P. Review: Hotel Lux – Barstool Preaching

Artist: Hotel Lux

EP: Barstool Preaching

Genre: Post-Punk/Indie Rock

Label: Nice Swan Records

Rating: 8/10

Barstool Preaching is an appropriate title for Hotel Lux’s new E.P. It’s hard not to picture yourself at the nearest pub as your vision begins to blur after beer after beer while you bullshit the night away with your pals. These songs are beer-soaked, but they’re more intelligent than belligerent, as the tales of cynicism, self-deprecation, and introspection are told with lyrical sharpness rich in wit, dark humor, and honesty. Lead singer Lewis Duffin’s gruff voice channels the raw spirit of early Post-Punk, and instrumentally these tracks are impeccably produced with the band perfecting the finest sounds Post-Punk and Britpop have to offer. It’s hard not to see yourself in these songs. Don’t we all at some point bend the truth just to get our point across or display ourselves as something we’re not? Duffin cleverly compares this reality to a tabloid newspaper on the opening track, and a similar subject appears on the track “Loneliness of the Stage Performer,” where the song is sung from the perspective of a singer who has created a fictional version of himself to appease the audience, only to come to the realization that he doesn’t know what the people want at the end of the day. It’s heavy subject matter, but it never loses its darkly comedic tone. The “Pub Rock” style is most present on the track “Eddie’s Gaff,” a song about the days of youth, the days of getting plastered, the days we’d waste our lives away, and like a drunken sing-along the band shouts “wasting our lives away!” in unison. I found myself singing along last night while I was getting drunk and wasting my day amid this social distancing. The track “Charades” sounds like a hangover but turns into a self-aware tune while female vocals beautifully back Duffin’s somber tone on the chorus. The closing track “Ballad of You & I” is a sweet tune with a hint of melancholy with an arrangement of trumpets and organs that wouldn’t sound out of place on a “Blur” record. Though a full album of tongue-in-cheek cynicism might get a little stale, this E.P. leaves you eager to hear a full-length album anyway, and the band most definitely has the talent to grow. Here’s to the future, cheers!

Written By: Steven Sandoval

E.P. Review: Movie Club – Man O’ War

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Artist: Movie Club

EP: Man O’ War

Genre: Instrumental/Garage Rock/Psychedelic Rock

Label: Self-released

Rating: 7/10

There’s nothing like witnessing a band perform. The chemistry between every member, the ideas that are bounced off each other as each member brings their own distinct quality to the table, it’s a beautiful thing to see and hear, but what’s even more impressive is when a band only has two members. Of course duos are nothing new, but when two people can create a sound that gives off the illusion that you’re listening to a quartet, it’s a massive accomplishment. Meet “Movie Club,” an instrumental duo hailing from Venice Beach, CA. Consisting of members Jessamyn Violet on drums and Vince Cuneo on guitar, their chemistry is infectious as their seamless interplay makes you wonder if they share the same brain. Their new E.P. Man O’ War is no exception. The duo flirt heavily with “Psychedelic Rock” on this record, which feels like a natural progression, and they’ve even incorporated bass thanks to musician Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Black Crowes). With this sound the band takes you on a journey with each song, a journey that feels cinematic, which is fitting considering the band’s name. As a matter of fact, the band’s appreciation for film is especially apparent in the music videos for the tracks “Moonbow” and “Bones” which features recurring mysterious white wolves who chase the duo in a Horror inspired style. The band never wastes a second on this E.P. as every track has enough change-ups to veer away from boring repetition, but at the same time they don’t bombard you with over-ambitious grandiosity as these are jams you can sit back and relax to without being surprised by an abrupt dramatic transition. These tracks flow smoothly, but at the same time they’re a spiritual journey if you want to ingest it that way. This E.P. can be a journey, it can be your new favorite music to chill out and smoke a doobie to, or it can be the soundtrack to your commute, walk, or exercise, whatever it may be to you, you can count on this E.P. to never be boring.

Written By: Steven Sandoval