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“Melt” – Clay Benjack Review

Artist: Clay Benjack Single: Melt Genre: Indie Rock, Psychedelic, Instrumental  Release Date: January 31st, 2025

Clay Benjack cites his musical influences: “Khruangbin, Masayoshi Takanaka, Tame Impala, and Crumb, as well as the serene beauty of the outdoors.” His latest single, “Melt,” is a sonic exploration that feels larger than the Norfolk, Virginia apartment where it was recorded. Despite the modest recording space, Benjack manages to create a track that feels expansive and immersive, inviting listeners into a layered, atmospheric world.

“Melt” opens with intricate guitar work that immediately sets the tone—lush, textured, and hypnotic. The influence of artists like Khruangbin and Masayoshi Takanaka is clear in the fluid guitar lines, while the ambient textures nod to the dreamy soundscapes of Tame Impala and Crumb. Yet, Benjack doesn’t just emulate his inspirations; he integrates them into a sound that’s uniquely his own.

The track is built around a memorable melody, but it’s the production that gives “Melt” its distinct character. Benjack employs a variety of pedals and plugins, using tools like the Chase Bliss Mood pedal to create rising and falling tones that feel both organic and otherworldly. During the breakdown, stuttered, rhythmic guitar lines processed through a bit crusher add a gritty edge, while layers of reverb, delay, phaser, and flanger deepen the song’s immersive quality.

There’s a sense of motion throughout “Melt” that mirrors Benjack’s creative process—visualizing landscapes from his travels to Ireland and Acadia National Park and translating them into sound. The cover art, a collage of these places, complements the auditory journey. It’s as if the music becomes a vehicle for Benjack to escape the confines of his apartment, and in turn, offers the same escape to his listeners.

While the track meanders at times, it’s intentional. “Melt” invites patience, rewarding those who let the music unfold at its own pace. The sprawling guitars and atmospheric layers evoke the feeling of a hazy summer festival, where the sun beats down, and everything feels just a bit surreal.

With nearly 15 years of guitar experience, Benjack’s technical skill is evident, but “Melt” is more than just a showcase of musicianship—it’s a testament to his ability to craft an auditory space that’s both familiar and fresh. The song doesn’t demand attention; it draws you in, slowly and steadily, until you’re fully immersed in its soundscape.

For those looking for a track that blends intricate musicianship with rich, atmospheric production, “Melt” is worth a listen. It’s a song that doesn’t just sound cool—it feels like a journey.

 

Check them out on socials:

This song and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA – Best New Music

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

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