Artist: David Melillo
Album: Talk Is Cheap EP
Label: Drive-Thru Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 18, 2006
Overall: 8.8
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 8.9
Production: 8.6
The long awaited debut from Florida’s David Melillo is finally out via an online relase through Drive Thru Records and mtvU. “Talk Is Cheap” is a completely free, downloadable EP(the hard-copy store release will have an extra song.) Drive Thru did this twice before with hit(Hellogoodbye) and miss(Jenoah) results. I’ll just say that if you do not download this EP, you’re going to be missing out.
“Sam’s Song” opens the album. This tune has been available on purevolume and myspace for a while, and is my favorite song on here. It’s Dave and a guitar. That’s really all you need. Seeing this song performed live is an experience. This kid’s voice is spectaular.
“Vatican Roulette” starts off with a funky drum beat to be followed up by a full band onslaught of guitar and synth. The lyrics stand out here with a coming of age tale and a chorus so catchy that Fall Out Boy would be jealous. The song is reminiscent of old Starting Line without the pop-punkiness.
I’m putting “Knights of the Island Counter” up there with “It Was a Summer…(Baby Steps)” by October Fall in the category of songs I’ll be listening to this summer with my windows down. It’s nice to hear a song about drinking that’s not totally depressing(Don’t get me wrong. Some lyrics here are completely honest and full of regret.), even if the singer is still underage.
“This Is 2005” slows things down a lot, and while it’s still a great song, it’s the only one I don’t thoroughly enjoy listening to. It just drags the momentum of the EP down. Dave’s voice still sticks out here, and like I said, it’s still a great song.
“Morris County Blues” picks things back up and closes the album out with an insanely fast chorus that totally shows off Dave’s lyrical abilities. The song is explosive and everything you could want from a release like this.
David Melillo may only be 17, but most songwriters that are double his age wish they could write songs this good. I can’t wait for a full length. It’s no wonder Drive-Thru signed him. If this is a shape of more solid releases to come from Drive-Thru this year, I think Fueled By Ramen might have some competition.
Track Listing
1. Sam’s Song
2. Vatican Roulette
3. Knights of the Island Counter
4. This Is 2005
5. Morris County Blues
6. For the Sake of Remembering
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