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St. Louis is home to some of my favorite bands. The Melroys are no exception--I loved the first moment I started listening and I haven't stopped. They are downright addicting to listen to. They combine rock, country, twang, humor, deadly timing and precision with a great deal of fun into their music. The Melroys are Randy Leiner [vocals, guitars, harmonica], Gregg Hopkins [vocals, electric bass, upright bass, baritone guitar], Jordan Leiner [vocals, guitars], and Mike Enderle [drums, percussion]. Added musicians are Denny Devette [vocals, guitars], Scott Blackwell [keyboards], John Horton [guitar, side guitar, lap steel], Dave Farver [saxophone], "Bongo" Sally Leiner [congas, percussion] and Noah Leiner [vocals] ~ the Leiner's sound like a very musical family... The CD opens with a little rocker called "I Don't Care (What They Say)". Their ability as individual musicians and as a band shows through in moments. I found myself immersed in a foot tapping rocker with great vocals. I was surprised with a stunning twangy guitar solo followed by a blast of a 12-string solo [ala Jim/Roger McGuinn style] with another ripsnorter of a tele-style twang solo. The tongue in cheek "Who'd a Thought You'd Be The One To Go" has a great country sound. It would fit right in coming out of any roadhouse juke box. A moment into the song, you are smacked in the face with the parody of the lyrics. Round it all out with the piano and steel and guitar solos and you have a winner. |
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The haunting "Top OF My World" tells the story of personal struggle. Every note is placed with precision. Gregg and Mike lay down the beat yet Gregg slips in interesting slides and fills as effortlessly as I have ever heard. Keyboard and percussion augment an already strong performance. "The Hideaway" reminds me of another Missouri band, The Bottlerockets. It is a solid rocker with a harder edge. It combines a 60's feel with it's feet still firmly planted in today's rock sounds. Backing vocals add the little extra needed to pull it all together. Twangy baritone guitar opens the countrified "Where The Highway Meets The Sky". The core song would be happy as many different styles but with the Melroys treatment it takes on their distinctive style. It makes me want to play along! As you listen to the song structure you realize their expert craft. |
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The mournful ballad "When I Get Over You" wouldn't be the same without the reverb drenched guitar fills both electric and slide. They cover "Lover Please" in Melroy Style complete with yakkety sax, bouncy piano, and baritone guitar solos. They add their own signature to it and give it their all. The Melroys are a must listen band. I highly recommend picking up their CD and adding it to your play list. I wish I had a little more information about the band's specifics to pass along. They have a website at www.themelroys.com that features their play schedule as well some audio samples. From their bio they have played together since 1999 but honed their skills in competing local bands playing teen dances. Be sure to have a giggle at their childhood photos of their poses with Teisco guitars [click the picks]. Have some fun--give a listen to the Melroys! ~ Omega Sales Inc - audiogrid.com |
