Kicking off 2026 in style, New Jersey’s The Melancholy Kings drop “UV”, a track that immediately grabs your attention. This isn’t a song made for passive listening; it asks you to lean in, concentrate and fully engage. Built around crunchy guitar riffs and swirling psychedelic keyboards, “UV” unfolds as a power-pop anthem and a vivid musical journey that carries you far from the everyday. Mellow, expressive vocals and a beautifully placed guitar solo act as key ingredients in a final result that feels rich and satisfying. It’s no exaggeration to say that The Melancholy Kings hit a creative high point here, crafting an epic pop/rock song driven by strong melodies and genuinely lovely harmonies. Everything feels purposeful, layered, and carefully balanced without ever sounding overworked. The guest performances elevate the track even further. Mac Gollehon’s trumpet outro is wild and unhinged, pushing the song into a burst of controlled chaos, while Carolyn Jeselsohn’s cello and Scott Selig’s Beatle-esque string touches add warmth and emotional depth. Olivia Selig’s soulful vocal surges toward the end feel like a cathartic release after a long, strange, and rewarding trip. What really makes “UV” stand out is its fearlessness and ambition. The Melancholy Kings don’t play it safe, don’t chase trends, and don’t worry if the song zigzags instead of sticking to a neat verse-chorus-verse formula. It’s alt pop/rock with brains, guts, and a sense of humor. If the whole “Her Favorite Disguise” album keeps this level of energy throughout, then this band is clearly leveling up.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
