Mélée - Devils & Angels
They lay it on thick, a less sleazy Maroon 5 at worst
Having already received generous Stateside success with debut Everyday Behaviour, Mêlée release their second album to an unprepared British public. Having taken one for the team, please make note of this warning: these guys lay the sugar on thick. The theme of this record is ‘life, love, friends and asking questions about where we’re going’ - clear indications of Devils & Angels' depth and originality. You’ll easily be bowled over by lines such as "Walking on the hills at night / You and me were meant to get love right," when upcoming single Built to Last is no doubt placed on relentless radio rotation. Piano-led anthems throughout hint at Meat Loaf influences that provide the album's best, if not most comical, moments; a less sleazy Maroon 5 at worst. Finishing with a Hall & Oates cover just about reinstates the belief that cheese pop can be done well, but also reminds that it’s perhaps best left in the 80s. (Emma Smith)