Twenty-five years after its original release, “Melancholia – Remaster” proves that there are albums that never lose their worth. Modesty Blaise have given this cult indie pop record a fantastic new life, keeping its original spirit while making it sound clearer and richer. Instead of changing the songs, the remaster simply lets every instrument breathe, making the beautiful arrangements and melodies easier to appreciate. The album mixes indie pop, baroque pop, psychedelic pop and classic British songwriting in a very natural way, bringing to mind artists like Pulp, XTC and The Divine Comedy, without ever sounding like a copy. Jonny Collins’ songwriting is the album’s biggest strength, as every song feels carefully written, full of memorable hooks, warm emotions and clever lyrics. The band’s performances are equally impressive, with tasteful guitars, colorful keyboards, solid rhythms and subtle orchestral touches creating an elegant and nostalgic atmosphere from beginning to end. Highlights such as “The Little Things You Do” and “Carol Mountain” show exactly why these songs deserved to return, sounding fresh while still carrying the magic of the late 1990s. The production is clean and detailed, revealing many small musical moments that may have been hidden in the original version. Although the album has a strong nostalgic feeling, it never sounds old-fashioned. It feels timeless, proving that well-crafted pop music can survive every trend. The additional discs with singles and session recordings also offer plenty of value for longtime fans/collectors, making this anniversary edition more than a simple remaster. “Melancholia – Remaster” is a wonderful celebration of one of Modesty Blaise’s finest achievements and an excellent opportunity to rediscover an overlooked gem of Brit indie pop.
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
