Album Review: Melt Yourself Down - Melt Yourself Down

Album Rating: A-

Plenty of artists have received their big break on Later... with Jools Holland, but few over the past two decades have come near to making the impression Melt Yourself Down did upon their appearance last month. They may never touch the sales figures of Adele, Seasick Steve or Jessie J, whose careers all experienced liftoff following stints on the BBC's flagship music programme, but it's fair to say this collective's performance transcended all of them, particularly within the context of a largely disappointing series. Perhaps more than anything, it evoked At The Drive-In's infamous farce back in 2000, albeit minus the carnage and with a significant hike in musical value. Sound-wise they bear little resemblance, but the sight of vocalist Kushal Gava tearing around the stage amid a backing of unhinged sonic chaos was more or less in the same mould, and quickly made a name of what until then had been one of the nation's great up-and-coming secrets.

Artist of the Day: Melt Yourself Down

Later... with Jools Holland, BBC Two's flagship music programme has built much of its reputation on featuring small, exotic artists and propelling them into the public's conscience. As the only show on British mainstream television dedicated exclusively to music, it plays a vital role in both the listening habits of its viewers and the broadening of their horizons, and although somewhat stale the latest series still delivered a handful of performances which evoked the institution's enduring spirit. By far the highlight of that recently concluded spring run was its sixth episode, which together with the established excellence of Low and John Grant included an incendiary appearance from emerging London outfit Melt Yourself Down. Fresh, vibrant and brimming with manic energy, their impulsive romp instantly sparked memories of At The Drive-In's legendary mess back in 2000, although this time there was legitimate musical merit to go with the unfolding sonic bedlam. Sure enough, the six-piece have seen their profile rocket in the month or so since, but even more exciting for those who first encountered them on Jools... is that that run through "We Are Enough" merely skimmed the surface of what the group has to offer.