Search - Melee :: Everyday Behavior

Their Best Album Yet!

J. B. Fearns | Orange, CA USA | 07/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following Melee's music since their high school beginnings and I can easily say that this is their best outing yet. Forget the fact that they've been signed to Sub City and that their music finally comes through clearly on a well produced CD - their musical talent has evolved in every aspect. Chris and Rick's songwriting has improved and includes more range and instruments (in part thanks to a bigger recording budget.) Their new drummer Mike is amazing and when added to Ryan's already stellar bass, there's a firm rhythmic backbone that the band has never really had before.
This CD is filled with great original tracks with a few classics thrown in here and there. One of the highlights is the 2 minute track "Composure" which was tacked onto the end of the final song on the album ("Composure" was originally recorded on their self produced 2002 album "Transmission".)
One of the best new songs on "Everyday Behavior" is "The War". It's a great song that both old and new Melee fans will appreciate. It's a perfect example of how far their music has come when compared to even their previous album "Against the Tide".
Indie rock fans will not be disappointed."

Still room for surprises...

J. B. Fearns | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw this group in L.A. and immediately ordered the CD. "Everyday Behavior" really does "Got It All".....pacing is great from "New Day" through "Pennslyvania" two of my favorites. There is an immediate link with several of the songs that only gets stronger the more I hear them. Great rhythm and poetic lyrics in many of the cuts...especially "Perfect Mess" and "The War" which I'm still not sure I understand. I particularly like the intros and endings...Melee doesn't drop you on your head and run into the next cut. Don't worry about comparing the CD to anything else...it has an organic and improvised quality all its own. No ambivalence here...I really think it's a great find....and a nice surprise!"

Great pick!

J. B. Fearns | 07/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fresh sound. "Got It All," the first song, kicks it off with an early 90s style pop/alt rock but with a harder edge. Great lyrics too. Especially check out "Mestizos Love Song."Varied cadence and style throughout. Compare "The War's" upbeat pop to the melodious and more measured pace in "Perfect Mess." "Pennsylvania" closes with soft blues - almost a throwback riff, with good harmony in the final crescendo. If you stick around, the bonus jam has great classic rock guitar licks.Melee is going to be through NY on warp, and I'm hoping to see some extended jams in concert. Great kickoff album - I think Melee will be around for a while once these OC guys get the word out."