“Melodybox” by Dan Wilkie is an indie pop rock album that offers unique sonic landscapes and compelling narratives. This sixteen-track album explores themes of love, introspection, hard times, and more, giving the listener an eclectic yet cohesive journey through its stories. Wilkie, an innovative artist from Shefford, England, recorded and mixed this album in his home studio, drawing on a variety of styles and sounds to craft something uniquely him. His experimental style is captivating, and with “Melodybox,” he cements himself as an artist that belongs on your playlists.
The album opens with the track “Goosebumps,” which has an ominous and creepy vibe to it, in parallel with its title. Lively, jumping piano and spooky, low bass build the tension-filled backbone on the song. Lots of references to creatures like werewolves and spiders help craft the atmosphere, along with lyrics like “the hairs on your neck are tingly as heck.” The chorus shifts the energy, leaving behind the darker sounds and offering an uplifting energy as Wilkie sings “it’s alright, baby, it’s alright.”
Another standout song on the album is the closer, “Nobody Said It Would Be Easy.” Pretty, lilting melodies and a steady rhythm carry you through this song as Wilkie displays a hopeful and happy attitude while acknowledging that it’s not always easy to have it. Even though he’s feeling good, and says “I got everything I want,” he doesn’t ignore the work and hardship it took to be able to say that. This track effortlessly closes the album, summing up the perspectives and stories we’ve heard throughout this body of work.
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