Mêlée--Horns & Halos

Even if you haven’t heard of Mêlée, you probably have heard them. Featured prominently and often on the popular shows "The O.C." and "House," the national recognition has nabbed the appropriately Orange County natives a spot on a major record label. Warner Bros will release Mêlée’s sophomore effort Devils & Angels in April of 2007. Horns & Halos, the first EP off their new record, gives a good idea of what we should expect from the California group. "Built to Last" is prominently pop, but with some mellow and desirable pop-indie influences as well. Clearly about a certain relationship (that’s "Built to Last," obviously), the song may be simplistic, but it’s easy on the ear and the instrumentals are fairly mellow and inoffensive. "Drive Away" is up next, and follows in the opening track’s footsteps. Pop, but not offensively painful and obviously so, the tune features more relationship woes but again fairly pleasant instrumentals that make up for any other lacking area. The final track "Frequently Baby (She’s A Teenage Maniac)" is wholly pop, and thus very annoying. The chorus could be catchy to some, but after the first two tracks I have little patience for yet another mindless romp through the flower-field that is mainstream radio. An enjoyable single, I doubt I would be as pleasant if I were forced to listen through a full-length.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)