Irish quintet Melts return two years after their debut with a new album that confirms the technical qualities expressed in the previous one. Titled “Field Theory,” it was released on April 12, 2024 via Fuzz Club Records and contains nine tracks. Recorded live to tape at Black Mountain Studios in Summer 2023 and produced by Gilla Band‘s Daniel Fox. Right from the first notes of opener “Figment,” the band leads us through the multitude of genres and styles that characterise their style. Electronic sounds permeate the sound, with fine intertwining of keyboards and guitar, over an energetic and elaborate rhythm section and an effects-enriched vocal. Even the following track “Waves Of Wonder” continues the musical discourse undertaken in the opener, offering an energetic Krautrock permeated with electronic sounds and a lively rhythm that makes us want to get up and dance. A hypnotic, repeated synth line characterises the structure of “Clouded,” a track developed in a continuous musical crescendo. With a constantly evolving structure and sounds that are layered with modulations and effects, which also enrich the vocal parts, the track brings the sounds of the 1970s into a modern context. “WLDNG” is the longest track on the album, with its 6:40 minutes offering an energetic blend of Krautrock and Space Rock. The drumming is fast and energetic, while synth sounds weave in the background giving a Cosmic and Space feel to the track. The vocals are dynamic and expressive, in a Kraut style with a retro imprinting, alternating with instrumental sections with fine guitar and keyboard interlacing. With a decidedly more space rock sound and retro traits, “Shelter Of The Shade” shows another facet of the band. Interesting keyboard work adds an electronic touch to a sound with more classical instrumentation, managing to combine the tradition of the genre with the freshness of more modern sounds. A pleasant journey through the different influences that characterise the band’s style. The interweaving of different genres continues with “Main Sequence,” with percussive and rhythmic drumming combined with the more electronic and spatial sounds of keyboards. The combination is very interesting, resulting in a track that unsice Psychedelia, Space and Kraut, very original and with an enveloping vocal that guides us along the development of the theme. We return to decidedly more electronic and modern sounds with “Altered.” A more energetic Krautrock track, permeated by electronic sounds and a piercing vocal, once again managing to bring tradition into a modern context. Very interesting keyboard work and deep, driving bass lines. “The Never” is another track that exceeds six minutes and returns to more classic sounds close to 70s space rock. The rhythm section is softer, the vocals enveloping and the keyboards work with technique and quality in creating cosmic twists and melodies. A valuable journey through the deepest space of the sonorities of this band that exploits the long duration to enhance its compositional and performing technique. The album ends with the atmospheric “Softly Breathes,” an interweaving of vocals enhanced by effects and fine keyboard work. Another quality release by this band that manages to bring the classic sounds of Krautrock and Space Rock into a modern context with personal traits. Excellent mixture of retro and modern, all enriched by the band’s personal touch that manages to give its own imprinting to all the tracks. A recommended listen for all lovers of Krautrock and Space Rock sounds, managing to find the right blend of classic and modern.
Tracklist
01. Figment (04:08)
02. Waves Of Wonder (03:27)
03. Clouded (04:32)
04. WLDNG (06:40)
05. Shelter Of The Shade (04:55)
06. Main Sequence (04:53)
07. Altered (03:20)
08. The Never (06:09)
09. Softly Breathes (03:14)
Lineup
Earle / Drums
Robbie Brady / Keys, Synth
Colm Giles / Bass
Eoin Kenny / Vocals
Hugh O’Reilly / Guitar
