Mel and the Tall Boys
“Johnston sings, “It’s the beginning / Things are in bloom,” and they’ve set their hook to take us on a fun four-song romp. They channel the punk-rock sensibilities and energy of The Blackhearts, The White Stripes and Jet, but incorporate a charming focus on vocal melody, harmony and overall arrangement. It’s not just three chords, distorted and slammed out fast. They’ve incorporated well-thought-out passages and breaks, and they’re not afraid to leave space and let the songs breathe.”
BIO
Mel and the Tall Boys are comprised of Mel Johnston, Kyle Lacy, Andy Bell, and JC Myska. Johnston is a singer-songwriter from New York City. She started her first band with singer & best friend Kim Foxen, the Foxy Johnstons. They released a soul and blues EP in 2018.
Mel and the Tall Boys formed in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, after Mel produced some sonically and lyrically expansive material during a virtual songwriting group on zoom which she founded during the spring of 2020.
Their music is inspired by the likes of the Raconteurs, Alabama Shakes, and rockabilly artists like Wanda Jackson, finding an apt balance between alt-rock swagger and Americana steadiness
They released an eponymous debut EP in Summer of 2021, including 3 original songs by Mel and one cover - an upbeat punk version of the Everly Brothers “All I Have to Do is Dream.” Their latest release “Territories” was written by Lacy and arranged by Johnston, Lacy, and Bell. The song contains sounds inspired by 80’s pop, Blondie, and the Police.
MUSIC
Press
“But what makes the whole thing work is that Mel and the Tall Boys play as a band. As a group, they shift smoothly across underlying feels, play ensemble parts where needed and can stop on a dime. Each player has something necessary to contribute and steps to the forefront of the arrangement where appropriate. It’s executed so well that you don’t even realize it’s happening--the whole thing just sounds right, as rock should when it’s done well.”
“The first two songs were off their EP, whose release was the reason for this concert. M&TB (who I’m christening as such, perhaps) is a high octane pleasure palace of joy, rooted in the ’90s and 2000s Indie Rock mold, with very intentional echoes of ’60s through ’80s songs of love and celebration.”
DRAW
Rockwood Music Hall - Stage 2 - August 13, 2021 - Adv: 56 / Day of 32 / Total: 88
Rockwood Music Hall - Stage 1 - March 25, 2022 - Headcount: 62
Nublu - July 24, 2022 - Fierce Femme Fest - Draw 45