Heavier than ever _{by Madelaine Empson}

Wellington band Melondrone was named by guitarist Chris after a mix of melancholy and drone, which vocalist and guitarist Dan says goes some way to describing their sound. “Driven by our desire to make better band logos and posters”, the A in melancholy was swapped for an O. Nothing to do with melons (the fruit) and everything to do with pleasing aesthetics. Joined by drummer James and bassist George, the group’s sound has deepened into something both raw and precise, gritty and polished.  

In a time when daily life can feel surreal, heavy, Melondrone set out to cut through the hollow noise with their sophomore EP. Released last month, I Think Therefore I Am Exploited moves between the beautiful and the gnarly, layering songs of hope and acceptance that invite the listener to go easy on themselves, but hard on the foolish frameworks that limit who we can be.

Dan hopes that listeners feel relaxed and uplifted – that the music was worth their time. “We’ve tried to create something that is wild, hypnotic, and heavy. I think we’d all be stoked with people saying simply, they enjoy it.”

Grateful for all the support they’ve had so far from the people who listen to their music, Melondrone are set to embark on a four-stop national EP release tour.

“Wellington can expect a psychedelic-shoegaze-rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza, powerful music therapy, and a towering wall of sound”, Dan says, adding the setlist will be stacked with “songs from our latest EP, a couple of favourites, (a banger of) a cover, and maybe one or two pieces of newer material”.

At Moon on Saturday the 22^nd of November, “We’ll be providing immersive sonic vibrations, heavier than ever, for the good people of Wellington.”