The Mellors
Jesus Christ Made Seattle Under Protest (Loveless)

Emerging from the rubble of two of Seattle's most celebrated bands, Tuffy and Floyds Ranch, surfaced The Mellors in late 2004. Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie Lane, the band’s self-titled debut was uncharacteristic from the majority of groups in the Emerald City as it embraced a Mid-Western sound that is organic with just a touch of Southern twanginess. Lane's musical background is vast and all encompassing as he has dabbled in everything from jazz to heavy-riff grunge. Like in Floyds Ranch, he now draws inspiration from legendary songwriters such as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt.

On the Northwest trio’s sophomore effort, Jesus Christ Made Seattle Under Protest, The Mellors switch gears and revert back to Lane’s lively garage rock roots.  Ditties such as the title track and the three chord fist pounder “Beautiful Life” feature the rare guitar work and heavy beats as they prove they aren’t a one trick pony.  They tackle the Lennon penned Beatles song “She Said She Said” and add organ amongst tempered guitar work for a recognizable version of the classic tune.  The band returns to their roots with an alt. country timbre on “Port Angeles” with all the guts and glory of a Flying Burrito Brothers tune.  While the disc only clocks in at 19 minutes, it shows more versatility than their first effort proving they are continuing to grow.

Available at Loveless Records. â€" Tony Engelhart