“The Meltdown” – The Meltdown

I’ve been so impressed by everything I’ve heard from Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown. So naturally when the band released its self-titled debut album, I couldn’t wait to wrap my ears around it. And I’ve been listening ever since.

The opening track “Darkness Into Light” sets the bar high with its epic gospel feel. It’s such a strong way to start an album, but the rest of the album certainly doesn’t feel like it lags. Every song feels like a hit, with big brassy notes and plenty of swagger. “Don’t Hesitate” feels like it could have come straight from an Otis Redding record. It’s got such a cool groove. The swampy “How Funny is Another Man’s Pain” is another real highlight.

I love it when The Meltdown is big and brassy, but the band is equally effective when things are pared back. The poignant “Forever and Always” and the striking closing number “Colours in the Sky” show just how effective restrained songs can be.

The Meltdown is just so cool, soulful, with a hint of funk and blues. The band is one of the tightest working in the country, with sublime vocals from Simon Burke and its self-titled record is one of those albums that you want to listen to again as soon as it’s done.

The Meltdown will launch its debut album with the following shows.

21 April 2017 – Gumball Festival, Hunter Valley
5 May 2017 – Venue 505, Sydney
19 May 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
16 June 2017 – The Republic, Hobart
30 June 2017 – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne

The Meltdown Does it Again With “Darkness Into Light”

Melbourne outfit The Meltdown wowed me last year with the single “Colours in the Sky.” Now with the release of the band’s soulful new single “Darkness Into Light,” I’ve fallen in love all over again. This is such quality, with big brassy riffs and sexy powerful vocals rom Simon Burke. I’m in heaven.

The strength of this song and that which came before bode well for the quality of The Meltdown’s self-titled debut album, which drops on April 7.

The Meltdown Releases Killer New Single “Colours in the Sky”

The Meltdown are best known for creating floor fillers, but it shows it can create one hell of a soul ballad with the release of new single “Colours in the Sky.” The track reminds me a little of something Amos Lee or Ray LaMontagne might release, with its rich, raspy vocals and genuine heart.

“Colours in the Sky” comes from The Meltdown’s self-titled debut album, which is scheduled for an early 2017 release.

The Meltdown will play Summer of Soul on January 7 and Riverboats Music Festival on February 17 to 19.

The Meltdown: Hot New Soul Find

Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown have sent my temperature soaring with their smoother than smooth new single “Better Days.” The accompanying video is actually the final live take of the song. Pretty fitting that an act with such a classic sound should take such an old-school approach to their music video, don’t you think?

“Better Days” is lifted from their EP which should be released next month. They’ll play a hometown show to celebrate its release at Shebeen on March 12. This is one of those times I’d kill to live in Melbourne. Hopefully they’ll travel north for some shows soon!