Meltt - “Blossoms"

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Alt-J, Tame Impala, Surfer Blood

Canadian synth pop-rock band Meltt has spent the last year following up their debut Swim Slowly with a set of four singles, like a self-contained EP that could be a preview of a longer release on the way, or be just a strong set of tracks in and of themselves. While continuing in the band’s penchant for  chillwave soundscapes, these latest singles introduce more R&B-influenced melodies in a spacious, open way, It’s full-on pop but still understated, an accessible collection mining pop treasure from ambient and mid-tempo locations. There are more funk and rock moments throughout Meltt’s earlier material, so in perspective these songs, including latest single “Blossom”, are more grounding than pensive and find Meltt succeeding within an overall chillier atmosphere. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Canadian indie rock band Meltt add a nice thread of tension to their chillwave-engrained sound, balancing soft and full on debut album Swim Slowly. Take “Deeper Water”, a song that is one part melodic trip hop and another bright indie pop, a heady track that also drives with danceable rock energy. Meltt have a way of pulling back their sound like a rubber band, only to snap back with stored intensity. Arpeggiated guitar riffs percussively lay down melodies that creep like a down-tempo jam on “On Your Own” and “Wash Over Me” and Meltt really commit to those staccato notes building the backbone of their music.