Melon Collie unveils debut album ‘That’s How They Get Ya’

By ROB DUGUAY
Posted 12/15/21

New musical projects always start with the meeting of the minds. A concrete vision grows from the multiple talents involved crafting a sound through shared influences and artistic tastes. Headed by …

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Melon Collie unveils debut album ‘That’s How They Get Ya’

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New musical projects always start with the meeting of the minds. A concrete vision grows from the multiple talents involved crafting a sound through shared influences and artistic tastes. Headed by longtime collaborators Lee McAdams and Kyle Carlson, Melon Collie is another product of their groovy approach to music. The Providence jam band is rounded out by Lee’s brother Justin on bass and Colin O’Hara on drums while Carlson is on guitar and McAdams is on the keys, percussion and guitar with each member alternating on vocal duties. Their debut album, That’s How They Get Ya, that came out on October 29 brings a psychedelic and mellow blend of tones, progressions and harmonies.

The album was made as a purely jointful effort with everyone playing a distinct role. It also provided an outlet for the musicians to try out new things while maintaining a social message that’s uplifting in a peculiar way.

“‘That’s How They Get Ya’ came together in a very relaxed way,” Carlson says about the making of the album. “There was zero pressure when we wrote and recorded. Everyone helped this come together piece by piece and that’s including the band name. The vision behind the album is telling a story from the bright side of the moon and even though there’s always someone out there trying to ‘get ya’ you keep your head up and move forward with pride.”

“I had a lot of fun making this album,” McAdams adds. “I stepped into the band after they already started writing and recording, so it was great to just fill in the spaces and add textures. I’ve been making music with Kyle since we were about 13 or 14 years old. Now I have the added bonus now of working with my brother Justin and my good friend Colin. It’s also been a fun challenge for me and a good opportunity to work on my keyboard and percussion chops.”

“Red Handed” has Carlson singing about catching someone in the act while calling out their attempts at gaslighting. Musically there’s a bit of an edge present that echoes the aggression coming from the frustration of the situation. Conveying that mellow vibe, “Wyoming Pond” has a flow to it due to how the guitars come into play. There’s a solo within the track that never seems to end but it’s pleasing to the senses. There’s a classic rock aesthetic within “Free” that evokes The Allman Brothers with more of a rougher, rigid quality while Carlson’s and McAdams’ harmonies during the chorus make it all shine.

Both Melon Collie and their debut album are affiliated with Rabbit Hole PVD, a small collective of music makers and music lovers based around the local area. The group’s main objective is to produce quality original music and to promote other music they love. They also have a compilation series called “Down The Rabbit Hole” that can be checked out on Bandcamp at rabbitholepvd.bandcamp.com. While checking out those comps, stream That’s How They Get Ya on the music streaming service of your choice. It’s a record that promises to get you to relax while opening your mind.

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