The Meltdown

Based in Melbourne, Australia, The Meltdown develops a soul sound tinged with country, gospel and rhythm and blues, with songwriting that leans toward slow ballads and brass orchestrations. Formed around singer and keyboardist Simon Burke, the band is part of the Australian independent soul scene and works with local label HopeStreet Recordings, where The Meltdown attracted attention from the mid-2010s with a string of singles and then a debut full-length album. Released in 2017, the album The Meltdown established the band's characteristic blend of 1960s soul influences, Americana touches and contemporary arrangements, supported by a restrained rhythm section and saxophone and trumpet lines that are present but not showy. Continuing this approach, The Meltdown returned in 2023 with It's A Long Road, which deepens a melancholic, narrative register between soul, country-soul and adult pop, and confirms the band's place on club and festival stages across Australia.