An artist’s first thought is, very likely, the very best that they are ever going to have. Their first thought is the instinct that they must follow, that thing that they have to be very careful not to lose, regardless of whatever feedback and information they receive from outside sources.
People who had the good fortune of working with Davie Bowie recall how the master would often include novices in his projects, or get musicians to play other instruments than the ones which they’d studied. Bowie would let them develop up to the point where they were close to being “good,” and he’d make them stop. What he was looking for were fresh ideas, but machine-like efficiency.
With this in mind, it’s telling that “Landscapes” is the debut EP by indie-rock, dream-pop group Melodiva. This is a collection of songs meant to paint a sonic picture of places that they go to in their dreams. Most refreshingly, the duo has no idea of its limits, no desire to be frightened by this, and a whole deal of enthusiasm for just what they can achieve.
And while this is only a 5-song release, nothing is rushed here. The EP’s opener, “Her Music,” sees the music glide up and down mountains and hills, soar and float back down. The ethereal vocals and modern, programmed percussion grooves create a nice musical mix of old and new ideas.
Meanwhile, the reverb-soaked guitar lines of “Nirvana” guide the listener towards a place of perpetual tranquillity, while the hooky, acoustic-guitar-driven “No Exceptions” is an open invitation towards exploration, wandering, and getting lost in order to find oneself.
It’s a tough old road, but as you close your eyes and listen to the music, Melodiva hopes that you’re not scared. Peaks and valleys are the normal flow of life, and a natural musical dynamic integrated in songs like “Sinner.”
Where does it all leave us? Blissed out and ready to do some more searching. “Questions,” the closing track, once again blends a hyper-modern, attractive beat to the languid, autumnal vocals of Melodiva’s lead singer. But if listening to this inventive debut EP has made your load feel lighter, then the duo’s music has done its job.
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