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Emerging from the rubble of two of Seattle, Washington's most
celebrated bands, Tuffy and Floyds Ranch, surface
The Mellors. Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie
Lane, the band is uncharacteristic from the majority of
groups in the Emerald City as it embraces a Mid-Western sound
that is organic with just a touch of Southern twanginess. Lane's
musical background is vast and all encompassing as he has dabbled
in everything from jazz to heavy-riff grunge. Like in Floyds
Ranch, he now draws inspiration from legendary songwriters such
as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt,
Neil Young, and Gram Parsons.
Amongst reflective lyrics coupled with luxurious harmonies and
straightforward melodies, The Mellors merge an Americana mix of
blues, folk and country to paint tapestries with a tone that is
familiar and timeless. With a comfortable cadence, the disc slips
effortlessly into a countrified ode to a coastal Northwest town,
"Port Angeles". Lane's cigarette smoky vocals melt naturally
with the easy going mood of the music and give him validity to
sing the streetwise tunes he pens. Self examination and uncertainty
reveal themselves on the poignant "Bhy Kracke Park"
with lingering background vocal provided by Roxanna Davila.
There are no complexities or hidden agenda with this band, what
you hear is who they are. The trio constructs unpretentious yet
tight arrangements as bass player Pete Everett and drummer
Brendan X Scanlan keep a solid and steady groove going,
allowing Lane to bask in the spotlight. While the music is laid
back, the band has no issue with placing the volume control on
11. Lane digs into his grungy vaults for some power chords and
a snarling attitude for the cathartic "Sabrina". Variety
would best describe the group's debut. Showing their willingness
to look outside the box, they experiment with blues progressions
on "Lotus Tree".
The Mellors are a refreshing, no frills unit whose roots go
as far back as Vietnam-era-folk - without the political connotations.
While the influences are apparent, by way of updating them,
Jamie Lane and company come across as totally unique and exceedingly
original.
-Tony Engelhart
Track Listing:
1. Port Angeles
2. Salmon Bay
3. Next After Irene
4. Grecian Formula
5. Sabrina
6. Route 44
7. Bhy Kracke Park
8. Lotus Tree
9. Bombsquad
10. Flatline
11. Less Than All
12. Lucky Strikes
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The
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