CD Review

L.A based musician Jonathan Bates started mellowdrone as a one-man band project four years ago. Since then, he has released two bedroom recorded EPs, 2003’s A Demonstration of Intellectual Property and 2004's Go Get ‘Em Tiger, introducing his laptop recordings of electro beats and guitar driven rock music to the world. Now, Bates has added three more musicians turning mellowdrone into a full-fledged rock band.

Their first full-length, Box, contains songs from his aforementioned EPs and a few new and more polished tunes. Bates takes the influences of Julian Casablancas and Depeche Mode and peppers it with Jeff Buckley and even composer Angelo Badalmenti to generate aggressive yet unflappable alt rock. The first track begins with droning synth instrumentals then integrates a chaotic mix of drums and guitars that crash land. “Oh My” electrifies with churning guitars and pummeling drums with a commercial vibe. Bates’ voice drips with sensuality wavering between Dave Gahan and Isaac Brock monotone, but evolves into a Buckley-esque warble at unexpected moments.

“Fashionably Uninvited” is a highlight, enfolding a strumming guitar, moody rock beats and the lyrics: ‘So fuck you and your mass media toys/that being alive seem like a chore/I don’t know how much of this I can handle,’ followed by a rallying guitar solo. As equally blatant, “Fuck It Man” has slower acoustic tinkering that is catchy and thoughtful, eschewing the other rock arena tracks. “Madison” is filled with angst, “And Repeat,” about an asshole record exec, fuels Bates abettor ways with: ‘I'd honestly slam my hand in a car door to shut you up.’

Bates has taken mellowdrone to a whole new level, expanding the sound already planted years ago. All of the band’s songs are saturated in reverb and sonic explorations that are both commanding and pop-orientated. Box is an audacious debut from a band and artist Bates, who will continue to cultivate his aural inclinations into unexpected directions.

For more info see: mellowdrone.com