Singer-songwriter Melroze is no stranger to wearing her heart on her sleeve. Finding her voice in the pop genre has been a lifetime in the making and her debut EP Validation serves as the artist’s repertoire of soulful pop music that never tries too hard or fails to impress. Music Crowns has your exclusive first listen a day before the EP drops worldwide on Friday 14th January 2022. Pre-save on Spotify and Apple Music here and listen exclusively below!
Singer-songwriter Melroze is no stranger to wearing her heart on her sleeve. Finding her voice in the pop genre has been a lifetime in the making and her debut EP Validation serves as the artist’s repertoire of soulful pop music that never tries too hard or fails to impress.
“I walked away from the music industry when I was 26, in part, because I felt like I had failed. Over time, I realised I still wanted to record and release music, no matter the outcome. I named this EP ‘Validation’ as a way to remind myself I’m still a songwriter and artist, no matter my level of success. I felt like I needed to prove that to myself. -Melroze
‘Validation’ is a dark and haunting pop ballad that allows Melroze to flex her songwriting muscles as she illustrates a toxic relationship that has reached a breaking point. “Do you make all the other women feel this way?” Melroze asks in the irresistible chorus. The searing lyrics are simultaneously raw and powerful with the singer’s upper register and breath control impossible to ignore. For fans of Evanescence, ‘Validation’ is a fantastic introduction to an up-and-coming artist with raw passion similar to the iconic band.
For a lyricist that dives into heartfelt topics with abandon, ‘Nightlight’ is a lesson in utilizing synth-pop influences to make a classic pop song effortlessly modern. With a mid-tempo and multi-layered mix of drums and synths, the hopeful message of shines. The confidence Melroze draws upon in her career is eloquently expressed here and makes it clear that the singer-songwriter knows how to inspire others with her own successes.
It’s impossible to listen to ‘Home’ and not hear one of Melroze’s influences: the incomparable Taylor Swift. With an upbeat melody that perfectly mirrors the uplifting lyrics about falling in love with a person who makes anywhere feel like home, Melroze holds her own in the love song department. Technically, the blend of lead and background vocals is superb and makes for a listening experience best served with a side of dancing.
Originally released in October 2021, ‘S.O.S’ serves as an anthem for those who feel as though they have nothing left. Melroze pours her heart out about the invisible struggles so many face, including anxiety and depression. This song was initially released during Mental Health Awareness Month to spread the message that no one is alone in the fight inside their mind. “Can I just cry…can you stay with me until I’m alright?” Melroze begs in the second verse. She cuts to the core of the tribulations of living day-to-day with mental health issues and never holds back from the desperation she wants to convey. The classical piano that carries the song from the first note is an homage to Melroze’s classical training but never overshadows her stunning voice.
‘Overboard’ is the epitome of a storm brewing and takes the EP to another level. “If I could take your hurt back I would, but you’re starting to hurt me back, it’s no good,” Melroze states in the haunting chorus. While she admits she wants nothing more than to understand her lover’s suffering, she also acknowledges that she must protect herself from the pain her lover inflicts onto her when they are together. The atmospheric background vocals and guitar meld together to create a pop ballad that sounds reminiscent of Irish New Age artist Enya.
The final, and brand-new, track ‘Validation (Acoustic)’, is a stripped-down version of the opening song. The raw, unassuming power of Melroze’s voice accompanied only by a piano forces the listener to step into the singer’s shoes. In retrospect, the original version of the song is amplified once you hear the acoustic. Melroze takes listeners on a cyclical journey from initial devastation to subsequent ambivalence from start to finish in one EP. She accomplishes this by simply sharing two versions of the same composition. She is more than successful in her delivery throughout the duration of this project.
“After 8 years of chasing validation from others, I realised what I really needed was inner validation that I was on the right path and that the music I make deserves to be heard.” -Melroze
It’s rare to find an artist who can illustrate many situations and emotions in just six songs without straying from solid writing. Validation is an example of an up-and-coming artist knowing exactly what their sound is and why they can do it well. With a cohesive collection of songs, Melroze is setting herself up for an amazing 2022 after discovering her true voice.
Keep up with Melroze by visiting her website and following her on Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.
