More about: Melt Yourself Down

London-based Melt Yourself Down’s third studio album 100% YES sees them reimagining themselves and their sound with synth-tinged anthems of epic proportions and the added bonus of impactful messages. 

Opener ‘Boot and Spleen’ is about a conversation that needs to be had in present times about the right and allowed behaviour of the majority towards minority communities. Drawing its theme from the dark history of British colonialism in India, the band asks “what is it to be British?” - the question packaged in catchy sonics. 

Keeping the momentum going, the groovy, hypnotic stylings of ‘This Is The Squeeze’ gives way to the looming synths, staccato brass, menacing vocal-speak-rap from vocalist Kush Gaya on ‘Born in the Manor’. A powerful offering that explores power and the negligence of the same in the backdrop of the Grenfell tragedy, the track no needs explanation for bursting onto the tracklist and taking the spot of album-standout.

Next, comes their most recent release ‘Every Single Day’, a minimalistic and clever offering which explores the toxicity of social media platforms. The robotic speak-rap of following track ‘It Is What It Is’ isn’t made to be a huge hit or make a big impact, and yet somehow the quirky styling ends up a personal favourite. 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of ‘From The Mouth’, the soundscape of which is reminiscent of dingy club music. Similarly, later track ‘Chop Chop’ which pays a rich homage to the jazz history of the band is let down by the mismatched vocals and rap; where it worked brilliantly on ‘It Is What It Is’, it fails here leaving behind a jarring arrangement. 

However, all misgivings are forgotten as the terrifying imagery of youth decay (drug addiction and substance abuse) plants itself in one’s mind as the foreboding tones of ‘Crocodile’ - which draws inspiration from the Russian drug Krokodil which melts people’s flesh - sets in, making for an uneasy yet significant lesson about what boredom and desperation can lead to. 

Following track ‘Don’t Think Twice’ with its monotone vocal arrangement spiced up by an upbeat instrumental is another decent offering which acts as the come down from the harrowing images painted by the previous song. 

Title track ‘100% YES’ closes out the album, beginning with a short monologue which effortlessly segues into optimistic sonic brilliance that begs for everyone to dance to it, highlighting the band’s unparalleled skill and craftsmanship as musicians.

With two critically-lauded albums boasting an alchemised influence from noisy No Wave to Nubian rhythms, Melt Yourself Down have proved their ability to create an eclectic, pan-global party-punk sound. Formed by Mercury nominated sax innovator Pete Wareham, the group’s latest record offers an escape from life’s realities in the sprawling expanse of experimental music, while simultaneously taking an unflinching deep dive into the same pressing realities. 

On this third outing, they make their strongest statement yet – imperfections recognised but deservingly overlooked - and by still holding on to their integral philosophy as artists they’ve managed to reach their peak of musical, and personal, triumph.

100% YES is released on 27 March 2020 via Decca Records.

More about: Melt Yourself Down