Two years ago, MELTS surprised with their debut album “Maelstrom,” which was a success. An unusual record that combined shimmering synths, post-punk, and gloomy spoken word. Produced by Daniel Fox (Gilla Band), which naturally came with a small celebrity bonus and generated additional attention.
Now, their second album, “Field Theory” (Fuzz Club), on a bigger label, but once again produced by Fox, continues to focus on the live experience. Musically, not much has changed. Perhaps they are a bit more accessible here and there, but noise or experiments are rarely found.
It’s that electro post-punk with shoegaze elements again, driving, dense, and hypnotic. Add to that the cool Eoin Kenny, who serves as the perfect counterpart to bright synths.
“Figment” and “Waves Of Wonder” make for the perfect introduction. You’re settled in, familiar with the sound, and subsequently get more of the same, with slight variations. “WLDNG” is expansively psychedelic, while “Altered” gets quite intense. Only the closer, “Softly Breathes,” takes a more minimalist approach. Much the same, yet all quite appealing.
MELTS – Field Theory: Electro Post Punk. – RIFL
