Melee

Orange County's Mêlée distinguished themselves from fellow acts through prominent piano work and a melodic approach that exceeded typical punk-pop energy. Chris Cron on vocals and guitar, Rick Sanberg on guitar, Ryan Malloy on bass, and Mike Nader on drums came together in 1999 during their teenage years before securing a deal with Sub City, an imprint of Hopeless Records. Although punk revivalism and emo touches surfaced on their label debut Against the Tide, the album aligned more closely with the songcraft-oriented modern rock of outfits such as Rooney. That initial promise appeared somewhat diluted on the follow-up Everyday Behavior, issued in 2004, yet the record still incorporated touches of Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie amid the generally youthful tone of the Sub City and Hopeless roster.

Mêlée spent summer 2004 on the Warped Tour. By 2005 their evolving style pointed toward potential placements on O.C. soundtracks. Speculation about a Warner Bros. contract circulated and received confirmation later that year. Amid tours alongside Copeland and the Early November, the band prepared their major-label debut. Devils & Angels arrived in April 2007, with the group promoting it through spring shows that included Amber Pacific. The Masquerade appeared in 2010.