Melenas - “K2”

Spain’s Melenas are purveyors of some of the decade’s best indie pop. Their second full-length, Dias Raros, may have flown somewhat under the radar since it was released in May 2020, which, you may recall, was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I discovered the record just as the walls of my apartment seemed to be closing in. The album’s jangly guitar hooks and fuzz-infused melodies soundtracked long days inside and several socially distanced hangs at various New York City parks. Nearly four years later, the quartet has returned with their third record, Ahora, which avoids any signs of sonic stagnation thanks to some fresh new ingredients.

The band’s secret weapon on “K2” is their dazzling use of synthesizers. Melenas’ usage of the instrument has allowed their sound to flourish, rather than stagnate from albums two to three. In doing so, their sound emulates the likes of Stereolab and Broadcast as they weave in lush synths to accompany more motorik low ends. In a possible unintentional allusion to the song’s title, the band’s sound scales new peaks on “K2,” creating a very kaleidoscopic, Krautrock-influenced sonic palette.

Stream the track below!

Ahora is out now via Trouble in Mind. You can purchase a copy on vinyl via Bandcamp. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram.