Mellowdrone
A Demonstration of Intellectual Property (Artist Direct)
by Tim Den
An impressive debut from an ex-Bostonian who turned makeshift gear into a white-washed, electricity-filled sonic palette. Though only six songs, this EP “demonstrates” that Mellowdrone (aka John Bates) could be a (more melodic, and British) Beck in the making. Ebbing chord changes that sometimes recall the usual Big Names (Radiohead, Björk), coupled with Bates’ Tom Yorke-ish vocal intimacy, renders a pretty picture of beauty and sorrow painted in blood. Very nice.
