The Weekly Coos

When I first came across Canadian Indie Rock act Packs with last year’s Crispy Crunchy Nothing, I knew they had something as their sound began to linger in my brain, weaving certain melodies and notes and sticking them in my head. It could be their honed-in sound that is reminiscent of, if not purely tackling, slacker rock with eloquent construction that allows the themes of its lyrics to have a visceral presence alongside the instrumentals and takes it to new heights on Melt Honey. They continue to reinvigorate its delivery by offering parallels to some of its ambiguity, giving songs more meaning than expected. Though that is the case regularly, considering the various lenses we use to communicate with art, Packs is leaving a bit on the table for listeners to morph and connect, whether it’s taking chances with the lyrics of “Hfcs” or one’s detachment from reality with “Trippin’.” It’s a quality that keeps me latching onto the music, even if it has some drawbacks, like pacing and simple layers in the instrumentations that can keep it from being amazing.

Melt Honey is moderately absorbing, considering the elevated synergy between instruments amplifying the lyrics’ perspectives and tones, emphasizing focused direction instead of relegating oneself to non-subversive writing to push catchiness or make themes apparent; Packs album plays more like journalistic entries written with different prose styles that amplify the being of one person within a sizeable chunk of it’s meaning. Weighing in on some of the emotions and lingering thoughts that come with furthering relationships and living, these ideas get woven within the larger complex that gives the song crisp transitional direction where it can shift from personal to interpersonal and vast. It begins with this beautiful track (“89 Days”) lamenting situations that feel lost for lapses, pushing oneself to amend one’s surroundings and add space for one’s mental health, even if what-ifs remain stuck within the crevices of the memory gland. There are many great positives, and before I get to them, the album has some pacing issues as it can become fleeting and make the 29-minute run time feel shorter than expected.

Categorized as Slacker Rock—a blend of indie rock and lo-fi—there are more layers to Packs music, particularly in the second half, as it has more consistency. After “AmyW,” a radiantly direct instrumental, it plays to the atmospheric textures of previous tracks; however, the impact is more monumental than the more colorless “Pearly Whites,” which plays to the Lo-fi elements to a conservative degree, offering little, unlike “Paige Machine,” which brings these auspicious melodies that get ingrained within your brain, synergizing you into vibing with this more nuanced and calming style of rock. After the solid return with the sobering instrumental “AmyW,” Melt Honey goes on a solid streak that reminds you of the greatness unlocked within and what it can grow into. Within this streak, you get the acoustic-driven, summery kickback of “Take Care,” which is about bettering oneself for someone they love; “Missy” is elevated, having more layers, comparatively, and letting the melodies marinate more; “Time Loop” incorporates more slower tempos, breathing more of the lo-fi aesthetic into the archetype.

These are some great songs, but others that take a simple approach in thought, like “Trippin,” where its reflections of lo-fi feel slightly one note; however, the balance between the lyrics/performance and production can keep it balanced for a smooth ride; I mean, it’s what makes “Hfcs” such a fun romp. That isn’t to say there isn’t creativity, as it’s elements within the composition that can outshine others, and yet, there are still some that have these ear-popping moments that fill the music nerd in some of you with glee, and fans of the genre even so. “Honey,” “Paige Machine,” and “Time Loop” have these unique moments that shine, especially the latter two—I’ve spoken of the latter, but the former blends in the lowered textures in the chorus, adding a sobering bridge between the rock. These are the moments when you reflect on and reflect on how rewarding it is to listen to an album and get the feelers out because talent is always unique, even if the project isn’t perfect.

Melt Honey isn’t “knock your socks off” compared to albums within its sonic sphere; it accomplishes delivering what it wants to tell you, orchestrating it through some production that elevates past a threshold of simplicity. It’s how the band can manipulate the tempo and bring it up to a degree that shifts more into the Indie Rock notions, adding depth to the performance. Two significant moments that come to mind instantly are “Missy” and “Hfcs,” which add some elevated color. It’s an intriguing blend that elevates the craft further, modestly separating Packs from the rest and showcasing an identity all their own. I can’t recommend this enough, even if it isn’t perfect. The discovery for me was so rewarding, and I figured the same would be for you. So check them out, and let me know how you feel, whether through socials or comments—cheers to Packs for another solid release.