Big Trouble’s “Mel” is about getting into movements, but also has a personal stake in involvement. Released on July 31st as part of their upcoming debut album, On Elephant Hill, the single explores themes of nature, devotion, and activism.
Big Trouble is a Los Angeles-based project led by Justin Kohlberg and Daniel Talamantes. “It was a slower song that we kicked up a gear,” they say. “A straightforward rocker with some assistance from homies”.
The single was produced and engineered by Justin and Daniel, mixed by Adrian Olsen, and mastered by Jack Doutt. Kelly Koval provides the female backing vocal, and it’s the perfect touch to the beauty of the story being told.
Starting off with a strong guitar and drum beat, the promises of the lyrics “I’ll fetch you Quetzalcoatl’s plume / I will be your giving tree / Take my branches, bark, and leaves / Carve your sail, set out to sea / Leave behind what’s left of me” reinforce the idea of giving to another, despite losing yourself.
I had to look up the word Quetzalcoatl, and learned that he is a deity in Aztec culture and literature, related to wind, Venus, Sun, merchants, arts, crafts, knowledge, and learning. Inspired by Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, “Mel” is about getting into activist movements, and the personal stakes involved.
“Mel” is a beautifully visual alternative track that is paving the way for Big Trouble. Take a listen below.
Written by Emily Stabell
