SHREDnews

By: Kayley Guyette with Poppy Cleere

They say that every cloud has a silver lining but what emerged from the storm of Cute is What We Aim For’s breakup was pure gold. Nocturnal Me, a three piece featuring ex-Cute members Dave Melillo, Jeff Czum and Mikey Lasaponara, formed just days after the band split suggesting that the guys may have previously felt unable to express themselves truly. With this in mind it’s no wonder that they now seem more determined than ever to show what they’re musically capable of. It seems the fresh start was just what the doctor ordered.

Within six months the band had finished recording their self titled EP, a five-track burst of musical imagination that runs like a sweet sigh of relief – as if the strain of their pent up musical ideas is finally being released all at once. Nocturnal Me is sure to be a hit with fans of Dave Mellilo’s solo stuff as well as admirers of Cute’s catchy melodies but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re just another soft-rock pop group. These boys bring a new twist so be sure to get your fix right now with the Nocturnal Me EP.

The EP opens in the form of fast-paced track Once Bitten. In an era where Twilight, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and well… just plain vampires are ruling our screens, it’s good to see the music industry jump on the band wagon by bringing the theme to the airwaves. Fortunately Once Bitten doesn’t go into the “I-want-Edward-Cullen’s-babies” craziness. The song is beautiful and honest and makes you want to find the person you love and stay with them forever. It’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine, simply because of the sincerity of Melillo’s voice and the way the song’s beauty is highlighted by each individual instrument. It’s the perfect choice for a first single.

The introduction of second track, This Isn’t Love, builds excitement in mere seconds. Showcased in the song is Czum’s technical talent, something sadly rarely seen with Cute. It’s great to see him let loose. This isn’t Love is the type of song you can imagine blasting out of huge speakers at a party with the kids in the crowd yelling back “this isn’t love too” as loud as they can. It’s a little on the ironic side that Once Bitten, a love song, is followed by this track though. It would appear Nocturnal Me are hitting up both markets, those in love and those in heartbreak. Crafty boys!

Track three is Woulda Coulda. Starting softly and slowly building with group harmonies and gaining riffs, the song reminds me of Melillo’s solo stuff, in a way. The music fits well with the lyrics, all the while showing off Melillo’s impressive range. My favorite part of the song is the bridge, where the guitar gets softer and then the seconds where the drums come in and the lyrics get louder. It’s like those seconds before a show starts; the lights go out, the crowd freezes with anticipation and then seconds later the whole room is yelling at the top of their lungs in excitement.

Closing out the EP is Cougarz. To me it’s a hybrid of Cute’s Rotation and Dave’s solo stuff. Once again the lyrics are thoughtful and well written whilst the music fits well and shows off Czum’s and Melillo’s skill. The song is strangely uplifting yet simultaneously dark. It’s the type of song I’d listen to while getting ready for a night out with friends.

This EP definitely makes me want to hear more from Nocturnal Me, and fast! So… Dear Records Labels, please would one of you hurry and snatch them up quick? Get these boys in a studio, get a full length out and get them on the road. Fans will be happy and they’ll make you money, what more could you ask for? I can’t wait to hear more.

Rating: 8/10

Top Tracks: Once Bitten, This Isn’t Love

For Fans Of: Cute Is What We Aim For, Dave Melillo, Anarbor, We The Living, Motion City Soundtrack