Mêlée

Pianos and an ear for melody that outstripped standard punk-pop energy distinguished Orange County’s Mêlée from other groups in their scene. Chris Cron (vocals/guitar), Rick Sanberg (guitar), Ryan Malloy (bass), and Mike Nader (drums) came together in 1999 while still teenagers and later secured a deal with Sub City, an imprint of Hopeless Records. Although traces of punk revivalism and emo colored portions of Against the Tide, the band’s first release on that label, Mêlée gravitated more toward the craft-oriented modern rock approach exemplified by Rooney. The bright potential heard on that debut record grew less distinct with the arrival of the 2004 album Everyday Behavior, yet even on that effort the quartet wove in touches reminiscent of Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie alongside the typically youthful tone of the Sub City/Hopeless roster.

Mêlée spent summer 2004 on the Warped Tour, and by 2005 their evolving style suggested an eye toward future placements on O.C. soundtracks. Speculation about a Warner Bros. contract circulated before being verified in fall 2005; amid tours supporting Copeland and the Early November, the group finished preparing its major-label debut. Devils & Angels appeared in April 2007, after which the band backed the album on spring shows with Amber Pacific. The Masquerade arrived in 2010.