Melin Melyn has been making waves for some time; a series of respected releases have been building up to something big. The debut LP is finally here, in the form of the brilliantly charming “Mill On The Hill.”
Melin Melyn have a fantastic knack for evolution and sonic diversity: one moment, they’re rocking hard and building massive rock soundscapes; the next, they’re flexing their country muscles or pivoting to Brian Wilson-style surf rock. This skill of genre-blending from song to song is a testament to the group’s musicality: their skills have earned them a reputation as a stellar live act and a ‘must-see’ at any festival they visit.
The band can bottle a brilliant sense of optimism and hope, something they do throughout Mill On The Hill, without it ever becoming too cheesy or patronising. ‘Vitamin D’ perfectly embodies the sunshine sound this band can make: it sounds like spring or a ray of sunshine after a rain storm. They achieve this through excellent studio work and sonic layering – the band are six strong, and each member is triumphant in not only this song but across the record.
‘Promised Land’ decries the optimism for a moment, in a more earnest look for MM. It’s a more serious ballad, with the band opening up about art, poetry and the experiences of a working artist. It’s theatrical, in a slightly different way, to their general sound. Even without the lighthearted protection, Melin Melyn are just as good, with a more earnest outlook. ‘Fantastic Food’ is Melin Melyn at their best – it’s light and fun again, like a pint of cider in a sunbathed beer garden.
‘Dial’ sees the band celebrate their Welsh language roots, performing the entire cut in their native tongue. An already brilliant tune is made ginormous with an illustrious sax solo. Much of Mill On The Hill plays out in a similar style: unabashed joy, purveyed by one of the best live acts on the circuit.
‘18-30’ is another Welsh language number, this time with an angsty, moody sentiment. It builds and builds, like a Mogwai tune, to a giant crescendo. It feels like Melin Melyn are off the leash, rocking out with impunity. ‘Master Plan’ is a prime example of Melin Melyn at their chameleonic best, channelling Beach Boys-style surf tunes which evolve into shimmering country before ultimately arriving at a thrashing rock banger: the cut is fully instrumental, like a Los Bitchos number, which is so utterly charming in the way it snakes through genres.
The record is bookended brilliantly by ‘Mill On The Hill [Outro]’, which feels like a nightcap as the sun sets. This record is utterly fabulous – a shining showcase of Melin Melyn’s abundant talent.