Meltt (CA)

Meltt operates at the intersection of psychedelic rock, dream pop, and electronic music. Since their debut EP “Visions” in 2017, the Vancouver-based quartet has developed a sound all their own: warm guitars, ethereal synthesizers, hypnotic rhythms, and Chris Smith’s high, often otherworldly voice. Their songs take their time, expanding into ever-new realms and blending dreamy melodies with surprising dynamics. Fans of Radiohead, early Tame Impala, or the atmospheric soundscapes of Beach House will feel right at home with this band.    

On their third album, “Pathways,” acoustic guitars meet analog synthesizers, and electronic beats meet live drums. From more than 100 musical ideas, the band crafted an album that deliberately embraces contrasts. For the first time, Chris Smith, Jamie Turner, James Porter, and Ian Winkler handled the production entirely on their own.   

Alongside the optimism typical of Meltt, doubts, loss, and darker thoughts also come to the fore more clearly. This thematic range is what makes the music so appealing. It can be melancholic and euphoric, intimate and room-filling all at once.