What makes Melt by Straitjacket Fits notable?

Melt received critical acclaim upon its release, further solidifying Straitjacket Fits' influence in the indie rock landscape. The album peaked at number 16 on the New Zealand Albums Chart and is often cited as a key release that helped shape the sound of alternative rock in the early 1990s. Released as the band's second studio album in 1990, Melt followed their debut, Hail, which had established them as a significant force in New Zealand's music scene. At this point, Straitjacket Fits was beginning to gain international attention, positioning themselves at the forefront of the emerging alternative rock movement.

How many songs are on Melt?

Melt has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Melt

Straitjacket Fits · 1990

43 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A swirling blend of melodic guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of early 90s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Melt Against Yourself — This track stands out for its intricate guitar work and emotional depth, encapsulating the band's signature sound while exploring themes of introspection and vulnerability.
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Missing Presumed Drowned — With its driving rhythm and haunting vocals, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge catchy melodies with darker lyrical content, making it a memorable highlight.
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Down in Splendour — The atmospheric instrumentation and poignant lyrics create a compelling experience, reflecting the band's knack for blending beauty with melancholy.
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Hand in Mine — This track features a more stripped-down arrangement that showcases the emotional weight of the lyrics, demonstrating the band's versatility and lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic riffs with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven execution.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving guitar riff in 'Bad Note for a Heart' that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half.
Tracks like 'Quiet Come' and 'Skin to Wear' introduce softer dynamics, featuring layered guitars and introspective lyrics that contrast with earlier tracks.
Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Melt Against Yourself', which shifts from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bad Note for a Heart 3:46
2 Missing Presumed Drowned 2:52
3 Melt Against Yourself 3:36
4 Headwind 3:23
5 Down in Splendour 3:38
6 A.P.S. 4:18
7 Quiet Come 3:22
8 Such a Daze 3:04
9 Skin to Wear 3:17
10 Hand in Mine 2:52
11 Roller Ride 3:08
12 Cast Stone 5:57

What to play next

Listen next

Blow

1993

Go back to

Hail

1988

Full Straitjacket Fits discography Artists like Straitjacket Fits

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata