Meljoann - Squick

There are many different strands or musical styles being toyed with on the Irish music scene at the moment, but R & B and funk wouldn’t be two that spring to mind. Enter Meljoann, whose smooth, catchy brand of electro-funk takes influence from the Scandinavian skweee genre – a style that combines simple synthlines with funk, R & B and soul rhythms. The term itself describes an attempt to ‘squeeze’ the most interesting sounds out of the sonic approach. It’s been an influence on dubstep artists such as Joker, Gemmy and Rustie in recent years, but here it feeds into an appealingly stripped-down, subtly infectious sonic brew.

Opening track ‘So Academic’ is a perfect scene-setter, overlaying earworm percussion with beguiling vocals and wonky synths. ‘E.X.I.T.’ follows suit with chiming, slinky hooks seemingly invading every part of the mix; the understated chorus sweeps in perfectly, and it’s as if all the intricate touches and tics are in perfect harmony. ‘Reptilian’ is another highlight, with its skewed, smoky central hook. With the same contagious-yet-low-key pop sensibility, Meljoann’s sound can at times impressively call to mind highly-rated Scandinavian Annie.

The second half of the album sees her hit a seriously laid-back groove: ‘The New Thing’ features cooing, almost-whispered harmonies and an all-round chilled, hypnotic vibe; while ‘Forward Dream’ - essentially the closing track if you discount the short instrumental piece ‘Regeneration Plug’ - is a soothing, strangely poignant and lingering piece. Ultimately, this is an album to luxuriate in, and if it occasionally flags a bit, that’s no shame for an artist who is only just getting started. An encouraging debut.