Mˆl,e Devils & Angels

Window’s Media Player classifies Melee’s Devils & Angels as alternative. I couldn’t agree more; it’s an alternative to the mindless drivel that is being released at record speeds these days. Devils & Angels is pop with out being bubblegum. They are the Jonas Brothers for adults.

They have a sound that is reminiscent of bands from the 80’s, 90’s and today. They sound familiar while maintaining their uniqueness. You constantly ask yourself who they remind you of but can never quite put your finger on it. They remind me of the bands I loved when I was younger, yet my teenage sons hear shades of bands from today. They are part Toto, part Asia, part Bad English, part Boys Like Girls, Part Plain White T’s and all Melee. Finally, a band able to span the generation gap.

Although the word melee is defined as a disorganized and confused crowd, there is nothing disorganized about this talented group of young men. With the exception of their cover of Hall & Oates’ You Make My Dreams, every song is an original written by band members Chris Cron and Ricky Sans and arranged by all four band members. The lyrics aren’t preachy but they are a refreshing break from the suggestive, harsh and repetitive lyrics of most pop songs released lately. I enjoyed every song on the album but must admit my favorites are Frequently Baby (She’s a Teenage Maniac) and You Got. And while I normally cannot stand remakes of favorite songs from the past, I have to say they did a remarkable job on You Make My Dreams.

If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s you owe it to yourself to pick up this cd. If you are tired of the sexually suggestive, meaningless, repetitive drivel found in most pop songs today, you owe it to yourself to pick up this cd. If you are tired of the screeching and yelling of bands that really can’t carry a tune and like a good refreshing toe tapping, head bobbing, sing along, feel good pop song, you owe it to yourself to pick up this cd. You owe it to yourself to pick up this cd period.