Melys – Second Wind | Album Review

After ten years, can legendary Welsh indie act Melys reclaim their spark on their fifth studio album?

After a 10-year break since releasing any new material, indie legends Melys have made their comeback with Second Wind. An absolutely fierce record as it tackles subject matters that are considered taboo, but Melys confronts and conducts them with a masterclass in musical ability. 

Opening the album is the title track. A three minute atmospheric-almost-spoken word piece with vocalist Andrea Parkers haunting vocals echoing down your spine as the synths in the background buzz into your bones. As you move into ‘Love Yourself’, the album is laid out in front of you. There’s none of the average indie tropes here. Songs about random people you meet after a show? Not here. Songs about drinking cider in the park with your friends? Move on. Okay, there is a song inspired by a road trip, but that’s the only trope, scouts honor. Melys are more from the heart and include life experiences in their music, no matter how light or dark the subject may be. 

But one thing you can be promised are catchy chorus’ that will be planted in your brain that you’ll find yourself humming for weeks on end. 

Melys are also bi-lingual, as the band are from North Wales they incorporate their native tongue into their songs. Take ‘Llawenydd’ (Joy) for example. The song is what the title tells you. A joyous song filled with serenading guitar work from guitarist Paul Adams as Parkers Welsh vocals draw you in to the addicting melodies showcased by the band. ‘Brusies’ is then the polar opposite, a song about domestic abuse and rising from the ashes and taking back your own life and identity. It’s performed beautifully and may even shed a tear or two as Parkers vocals are intense through the entire track. Drummer Gary Husband does some tremendous background work here. Not only behind the kit, but on other smaller intricate sounds that impact the song making it sound huge with the additional vocal harmonies. 

‘5 Star Tits’ features guest guitarist Peredur Ap Gwynedd from a small drum and bass act called Pendulum and his appearance is a wonderfully odd one. Album closer ‘Yr Edau Fain’ is another Welsh led song with some spoken word passages included, and it’s a great way to close the album. 

For 10 years Melys have kept their material to themselves, and they’ve made an almighty return to music with Second Wind.