Hail The Sun and Nova Charisma vocalist Donovan Melero released his new album Chelsea Park After Dark onEqual Vision Records.
In September of 2020, an impromptu call to Joe Occhiuti (a partner of Donovan’s at Kill Iconic Records and bass player for Ice Nine Kills) and Allen Casillas (Kill Iconic recording artist and touring drummer of Hail The Sun,) led the trio to Long Island, where they holed up at the famed Vudu Studios with producer Mike Watts for a week. Writing a solo album for the first time, Donovan assembled the trio in an effort to explore new avenues musically and challenge his songwriting. What emerged from that session is what you’ll experience with this new body of work. Musically eclectic, the album guides you through Donovan’s personal experience of loss, regret, acceptance, healing, and hope.
Focus track “Toxin” is a synth drenched, swirling song that highlights Melero’s unique approach to indie-pop songwriting. A subdued electronic beat and sparse harmonic texturing support and highlight his powerful lyrics before the crescendo of the song hits with a massive final chorus. Chunky guitars juxtapose against the lilting rhythm of the tune and emphasize one of the grittiest and most emotive vocal performances of the album. Fans of his earlier work will recognize Melero’s singular vocal style, but will be surprised at just how dynamic his voice is within this new musical context. You can listen to “Toxin” and stream Chelsea Park After Dark in full herehere.
Melero had this to say about the creative impetus of “Toxin”:
“I feel like I’m playing a character in this song. I mean what I say, but it’s something that didn’t fully represent a current situation I was in. But more so put into motion something I felt for the future mixed with the experiences I had already lived.”
Chelsea Park After Dark is available now from Equal Vision Records.
Listen to the record below.
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