Melodrome Flood
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Melodrome’s music is difficult to classify but easy to enjoy. This three piece from Massachusetts makes music that combines elements of classic rock, pop rock, alternative rock and blues, and presents it in a very simple, basic way that is easy on the ears. Filled with toe-tap inducing melodies and air-guitar inspiring riffs, Flood is an album that should appeal to almost any rocker.
Founded in 2000, Melodrome may not have much name recognition but their music has been in the mainstream for a while courtesy of Coors and Miller beer ads and TV / movie soundtracks. Melodrome’s sound is thus commercially acceptable, but somehow they manage not to sound “commercial.” Fronted by singer/guitarist Robby Baier and ably backed by bassist Jesko Stahl and drummers Justin Guip (in the studio) and Kali Baba (live), Melodrome’s overall sound is perhaps best described as the music of Gilby Clarke minus the anger and hostility. Sometimes light, other times heavy, Melodrome makes the most of their talents and performs with spirit, humor and enthusiasm. The trio’s current release (and fourth studio album) is filled with simple basic music with a surprisingly full and varied sound.
Baier does a fine job as a vocalist despite a limited range. He comes across cleanly and clearly, and there is no doubt about his belief and commitment to his music. His rhythm guitar work is simple and direct, and works very well with Stahl’s bass and Guip’s drums. Stahl and Guip are a great combo, both ever present but never dominant. Therein lies the strength of Melodrome – teamwork. The three musicians work together tirelessly and produce a truly cohesive sound – these guys simply rock. A line from “Complacent” best illustrates their spirit – “Who needs a one room and a fold-out when you’ve got a show that is almost sold out.”
Refreshing in simplicity but varied enough in tone and tempo, the eleven tracks on Flood deliver the goods. With straight up rock anthems, some blues tinged and some almost pop rock, Melodrome doesn’t miss a beat and shows up with a “plug in and play” mentality. Musical highlights include: the almost punk rhythms of “I Wanna Run,” the amusing and somewhat jaded look at the music industry in “Complacent”; the simple lyrical elegance of “Enough” contrasting nicely with the deeper intensity of the following track, “Shelter” and the unashamed party atmosphere of “With My Friends,” the cool groove of “Sticky,” and the great guitar work and well written lyrics on the purpose of music in “Rock With Me.”
Overall, Flood is a fantastic album for any fan of old school rock, eleven tracks and not a stinker among ‘em. Well written, well performed and well engineered, Flood is a must have. Melodrome lays down great riffs, hooky melodies and catchy tunes – a winner in every sense of the word. Highly recommended!
Genre: Classic Rock
Band:
Robby Baier (lead vocals, guitar)
Jesko Stahl – (backing vocals, bass)
Justin Guip (drums – studio)
Kali Baba McConnell (drums – live)
Track Listing:
1. I Wanna Run
2. Complacent
3. Enough
4. Shelter
5. With My Friends
6. Time On My Hands
7. Sticky
8. Lie To Myself
9. Rock With Me
10. Oh Yeah
11. I Want You Gone
Label: Soultube Records (Indie)
Website: www.melodrome.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10