John Hughes and Madness!
Now the picture of the band could have you thinking that they are a pair of geezers from the local boozer looking for bov’r. However, the pair, who comprise of Stu Bell (Guitar & Vocals) and Matt Burgess (Bass & Vocals), actually have a sound that is Hard-Indie with a Punk ethos.
The single, ‘Devotion’ starts off slow before building up into a fast Indie track. The pair play well together and the addition of session drummer Steve Hughes, and the mixing talents of Dan Swift (Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol) means the sound is clean but with a raw edge. It’s a nice song, however sometimes you can tell more about a band from their b-sides, and Meretto are a good example of this. ‘Caesium Baby’ is a nice full throttle track that sounds a bit like The Ordinary Boys. There is a flash of Two Tone without it being Ska. “Danger! Danger! // Take care of your temper!” they sing, and I think that is good advice for anyone! The bass in ‘A Kiss’ is jumpy and strong and in addition to guitars we also have synthesisers that give a flash of the 80’s without it sounding dated or regurgitated. Another good track.
Meretto fit nicely into that area of credible Indie-Rock that is strong on it’s own, but also has a hint of retro that should satisfy those looking to discover the 80’s sounds again. Personally I was there the first time and apart from Power Ballads and hairspray, it wasn’t much kop!