Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 04/03/2007
A name like
Mêlée -- with all its complicated diacritics, with its suggestion of violence -- suggests that this Orange County quartet is standard-issue modern
punk, perhaps even being a band that tends toward the harder, brutal side of things. Names can be deceiving, however, since their 2007 major-label debut,
Devils & Angels, is something entirely unexpected: a genuine
pop album, one that's informed by
new wave but winds up sounding like a good
rock record from 1985. Much of this sounds learned second-hand from
Ben Folds but
Mêlée is notably lacking in
Folds' perma-smirk. Even the cover of
Hall & Oates' classic
"You Make My Dreams" is done sans irony: unlike many
punk covers, this is a celebration of song, not cheese. If
Chris Cron, like many of his peers, has a voice that's a bit too thin to be memorably on its own accord, it works well with the band's exuberant feel and it delivers the hooks simply and cleanly. Plus, they have a way with hooks, particularly on the exhilarating
"Frequently Baby (She's a Teenager Maniac)," which would be a smash at any time there was either
pop radio or
MTV. It may be the best moment here, but the rest of
Devils & Angels proves that it's no fluke as it showcases the rare
punk-
pop band that places a greater emphasis on
pop than
punk to often addictive results.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 2
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trista17pluto
from NY, NY
Melee Rocks
Melee is a band that manages to satisfy my craving for piano and guitar at the same time. Their album Devils and Angels, has some great tracks. Can't Hold On is my absolute favorite. Biggest Mistake cracked me up. You gotta love an album, that can make you cry and laugh. These guys seriously rock.
theoleyschool
from PA
Great music for the non metal crowd
I really enjoyed listening to this Melee CD. The songs are easy to listen to have the characteristics of some other well liked bands like REO or Fastball but with a style all their own. You won't be dissapointed!
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