Skeletal Remains
Originally Posted on S&R Blog
I’m pretty excited for this album review. Melia, an up-and-comer from Rochester, NY, has a new EP out, Skeletal Remains, and it totally rocks. Alternative and modern rock is the best way to describe this music, and fans of the genre need to check this out ASAP.
Melia, who won multiple awards over the past few years including Best Female Rock Artists, Best Rock Song and Song of the Year at the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards, is someone you definitely need to put on your radar. Fan of Halestorm? You need to check Melia out, stat.
The first track off of the EP, Charge Like a Bull, launches this record into a haunting rock riff that compliments the EP’s title as well as the cover artwork. At first, it may sound like a metal record due to the haunting arpeggios, and the first song is significantly heavier than the rest of the EP’s modern rock sound, but the first track definitely supercharges the listener into hearing what else Melia has to say. She establishes herself as a bad ass who you do not want to mess with. With lines like “I never wanted to fight you, but you know when I do, I charge like a bull” and “you can have dreams just don’t make them a reality” gives the song it’s grit. After hearing this song, I knew this record was going to be a treat.
VIP, the EP’s second track, is a much mellower track driven by a California rock rhythm guitar with a touch of ska. The Green Day influence is very prominent in the chorus as Melia yarns to be “your VIP”. In my head, I picture the stereotypical rock chick standing in line outside of the headliner’s dressing room trying to get backstage to meet her crush. Maybe an idea for a music video? Anyways, the song is definitely radio ready for your modern rock stations. It’s catchy, it has a hook and it’s raw rock n roll. Definitely a strong sign of an experienced rock songwriter. Oh, and did I mention it’s a perfect metaphor for her desire for her lover to remove the emotional barricades and embrace the love they share?! She just wants to know the real side of her lover. The behind-the-scenes raw stuff, not that fake side that everyone sees from the audience; something that she cleverly crafts into a rock concert metaphor. Simply brilliant.
Sleeping Beauty gives off an Undone-The Sweater Song by Weezer mixed with Creep by Radiohead and an In Bloom by Nirvana kind of vibe going on. Melia uses the popular fairy tale Sleeping Beauty to portray a woman who has overdosed and going through similar key moments in the story but in a not so pleasant fashion. Instead of true loves’ first kiss, it is mouth to mouth resuscitation and waiting for her knight in shining armor is her desire for her fix. The guitar instrumental break is the highlight of this number. It intriguingly reels in the listener with a usual melodic run followed by a few natural harmonics that leaves the listener satisfied as the band briefly replays the intro lick and returns to the chorus one last time and fades out.
The last song on the EP, Bats Beneath Moonlight, finishes the album into what begins as a love power ballad. The song gives hints that this is a love between two dead souls, or maybe between two vampires as the title eludes to and with lines of “our coffins swung open” and “the skeletal remains of the monsters we became”. The song praises the ideas of dancing in the darkness or from a deeper standpoint of coming together during hard times. The 80’s rock styled solo ties the song up nicely leading into a final chorus and ending.
This album is heavily built around the theme of love, but the realistic side of things. The fighting, the original affection and desire to be noticed, the slip-ups and mistakes, and the making up and getting through together all show the raw side of love that is often forgotten. I would love to see this EP expanded and see what else Melia has to offer on the subject.
Now Deep Waters is not on the Skeletal Remains EP, but I was encouraged to check it out, and I am glad I did. This track dives deep (intended) into the subconscious thought process of self-doubt comparing this thought process to a ship in a storm. The song describes a ship going out into a rough sea as it begins to take on water as the lighthouse fades into the abyss. She easily relates this situation to exploring uncharted territory in our own lives whether that be a new relationship, moving to a new city or facing your fears. Melia uses this situation to preach about following your dreams and holding on to them no matter what and not listening to the doubters. Another 80’s era styled melodic solo gives the song a nice touch of rock that gives way to the rest of the piano-driven song.
Melia definitely is a songwriter to be reckoned with as her music keeps rock n’ roll fresh. These songs are heavily influenced by the power of love and give a strong mix of 80’s power ballads and modern alternative bands. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this rocker. Check out Skeletal Remains and Melia’s other material at http://www.meliarocks.com and on iTunes and on Spotify. Also, check her out on Twitter at @meliamaccarone.
Until next time, let the music play!