UK Country duo Luke and Mel have had a mightily impressive 2014. The first part of the year saw the pair, Luke Thomas and Melanie Greggain, appearing at London’s O2 arena as one of the outstanding UK acts appearing on the festival’s pop-up stages. This was followed a few months later by a stint supporting Nashville hit-maker James House on his UK tour. Most recently Luke & Mel followed up their 2013 BCMA nod for Horizon Act of the Year, by being voted the BCMA Duo of the Year for 2014. For an act still in the relatively early stages of development, the two artists only joined forces in 2012, the achievements are all the more laudable.
This week sees the release of a new EP, simply titled ‘Luke & Mel’, which is already riding high in the iTunes UK Country charts. Across it’s four tracks the EP explains why the duo are generating such a buzz and collecting accolades. ‘Don’t Cry (Because It’s Over)’ immediately introduces the listener to an absolutely lovely vocal performance from Mel, before being joined by Luke on perfectly pitched harmonies. The track itself is a tender ballad reminding us to cherish those memories that we hold the most dear to us, simple production allows the song all of the room that it needs to shine, complete with gorgeous mandolin licks. Mid-tempo tale of a confession of betrayal ‘Somethin’ About A Woman’ with it’s edgy guitar riff and urgent strumming shows a thoroughly modern feel to the duo’s music. Sharing lead vocals on the verses, the second sung by Luke contains the stand-out lyric ‘he tried to explain to a face full of pain, but she couldn’t hear the words that he told her‘. The track boasts a superb guitar solo to boot.
‘Never Greener’ offers a fresh take on the old saying ‘the grass isn’t always greener’ and the powers of temptation. Featuring another charming vocal performance from Mel and sympathetic electric guitar licks, this gently rambling track is a real delight. Lovely to hear the organ fills towards the end of the song, adding to the layers of sound which slowly build throughout. Joyously upbeat ‘Enjoy The Ride’ with it’s live life to the fullest message, ends the EP on a real high. Allowing Luke a chance to impressively show off his vocal chops, before being joined by Mel on marvellous harmonies during the choruses. A tremendous way to sign off…and to leave us wanting more.
‘Luke & Mel’ is just the beginning for this talented UK duo and comes highly recommended. The duo are set to launch the EP at a special show featuring fellow UK acts Gary Quinn and Dexeter, those familiar with the music of those artists should not hesitate to add Luke & Mel to your playlist. Proving that UK Country music can sound both fresh and contemporary whilst retaining a rewardingly traditional feel at its heart, ‘Luke & Mel’ serves as a perfect introduction to an act set to undoubtedly achieve even bigger success in no time at all.
‘Luke & Mel’ is out on iTunes now
Website: www.lukeandmel.com
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Twitter: @LukeandMel