By: Staff
Diving right into this latest EP release, "Love (Indiegogo Version) from the Trilogy of Love, Death and Mexico" by Melissa Engleman, we found it to be incredibly captivating. The title alone is alluring, hinting at a deeply emotional and immersive experience.
We first listened to "Those Things," which opens with delicate ukulele strings that immediately set a serene and charming tone. The gentle strumming evokes a feeling of tranquility, perfectly priming listeners to absorb the song’s heartfelt message. Melissa Engleman enters the soundscape with an outstanding and distinctive vocal signature, one that feels both intimate and profoundly moving. From the very first note, her unique delivery draws you in, making it impossible not to become an instant fan. Her vocal styling is nothing short of iconic, possessing the kind of warmth and sincerity that leaves a lasting impression.
The lyric:
"Those things you’ve been worrying about when I’m not around / those things making you teary-eyed after too much wine,"
-showcases Engleman’s remarkable vocal embellishments and technique. The combination of her powerful yet controlled voice with her impressive songwriting skills results in an incredibly engaging performance. Learning that she is the songwriter behind these deeply personal lyrics only heightened our admiration. The song’s introspective and heartfelt nature makes it feel as though it was written just for the listener, creating a uniquely personal connection.
One of the most striking moments in "Those Things," occurs when the piano enters unexpectedly, elevating the song to another level. The seamless fusion of her vocals with the piano accompaniment feels almost like a duet, highlighting Engleman’s talent as both a songwriter and ability to create such cohesion with the musical composition. Returning to the acoustic balladry of the beginning, the song shares such an endearing and memorable moment:
"my precious thing, I love you."
We felt this was an absolutely outstanding moment you have to experience!
Next, we listened to "For As Long As My Heart Would Let Me," which introduced a compelling and powerful country vibe. The chiming guitars and punchy yet gentle drumbeat set the perfect foundation for Engleman’s expressive vocals. This song carries a slightly different energy, marked by a soaring, luminous delivery that feels both piercing and deeply soulful. A standout moment is the phrase:
"your loving gaze, I wouldn’t hoooold your hand,"
-which once again showcases her signature vocal artistry. Her growth as a vocalist is palpable, as she effortlessly rises above the instrumentation before the band swells in, sending shivers down our spines. The subtle placement of the guitars in the mix further accentuates the prominence of her voice, creating a mesmerizing effect. This was a completely different yet equally unforgettable performance, and the final declaration is nothing short of stunning!
Melissa Engleman herself describes the EP, stating:
“Each track on the EP invites listeners on a cathartic journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.”
We couldn’t agree more, she absolutely nailed it!
We also discovered that this EP was recorded at Plaid Dog Studios (Boston, MA), with additional vocals recorded at Craftsman Recording (Austin, TX). The project was produced by Mike Davidson & Carter Sanders, with Drew Preston contributing additional vocals. Despite facing challenges such as a cancer diagnosis and pandemic-related delays, Engleman persevered and brought this incredible work to the world.
This level of artistry signals big things ahead for Melissa Engleman, and we’re eager to follow her journey as she continues to rise.
Check out:
Love (Indiegogo Version) from the Trilogy of Love, Death and Mexico
On Bancamp & YouTube
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