After a year-long absence, Tāmaki Makaurau four-piece Melon Heart have returned with a changed line up and a solid five-track debut EP called ‘Bugs’.
Drawing heavy inspiration from the attitudes and textures of the iconic Seattle grunge scene, Melon Heart describe themselves as “spacey, grungy, fuzz loving musical minds”, putting a fresh new take on the genre blending heavy distorted riffs with raw and emotive vocals. This juxtaposition creates a lush and immersive production with hints to the Seattle grunge scene, whilst also carving out a place in Aotearoa’s ever evolving alternative scene.
The EP’s lead single Bugs, opens with an atmospheric echoing guitar which sets a steady pace, soon joined by Kaitlyn Parrel’s ethereal voice. As her vocals settle in, a trashy drum line comes into the mix, with heavy use of cymbals providing a dynamic contrast helping to balance out the guitar’s lower pitch, crafting space. The guitar work reflects an old western movie’s grit, pairing with Parrel’s raw and emotional vocal delivery, evoking a feeling of yearning, calling for help, only to be met with static.
The grunge inspired tones of ‘Bugs’ feel as if they’ve been pulled right from a 1992 basement in the middle of Seattle, however the various differing tempos used present
how the band’s own experiences and style bleed through the EP giving off a strong alternative sound whilst creating something that feels familiar but is all new.
Middle track For Future bursts out strongly, led by an ominous, deep guitar line which acts as a conduit for the track’s high-energy tempo. Parrel adapts flawlessly commanding a high velocity vocal performance that emphasizes Melon Heart’s take on grunge is not exclusive to slower paced tracks. With the feel of a high-speed chase, the combination of a racing guitar track and the percussion matching its faster tempo, offer a breath of fresh air from the EP’s moodier, grungy moments.
Ending the EP off strong is Pesticide, where the heavy grunge influence that pervades Melon Heart’s sound shines through. Parrel gives another haunting vocal performance, changing the atmosphere entirely. A prominent line, ‘I don’t want to be here anymore,’ lingers as she drags out ‘anymore’. Creating a moment of stark emotion, combined with the merciless heavy guitar line and relentless drumbeat, perfectly conveys the deeper and darker depths of the notorious grunge sound.
With the release of their debut EP. Melon Heart has undeniably carved out a comfortable space for themselves in the evolving alternative music scene of Aotearoa. While the grunge scene may not look like it used to in its prime, Bugs’ displays that the genre’s spirit is still alive and developing.
