_{By Zach Collier}

This is not a casual release. MELŌ (made up of members Zakkary Hale, Jordan Davis, and Mikey Collard) clearly set out to make something more than a local rock album. This is the result of years of careful assembly, and feels like their attempt at making a musical monument – something that could stand the test of time.

Their decision to collaborate with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra only reinforces that intent. The EP’s overall impression is one of both emotional and sonic scale. MELŌ leans heavily into prog rock traditions while weaving in classical arrangements that feel cinematic and integral rather than ornamental. There’s a theatricality here that never quite tips into excess, largely because the band grounds its grandiosity in tight musicianship and clear thematic direction.

Throughout the track listing, HiLo embraces contrast: explosive highs, introspective lows, and a constant sense of movement between the two. The interludes, shaped by Gavin McMahan’s orchestral compositions, give the project a sense of cohesion that many concept records strive for but rarely achieve.

Two tracks stand out immediately. The 7.5 minute “Tyranny” surges with urgency, pairing intricate instrumentation with emotionally charged vocal delivery from Hale. The stacked vocals over acoustic and electric guitars in the opening hint at an alt-tinged pop number, but shed all expectations immediately at the 30 second mark as it drops into riff-heavy momentum. The grit and fry in Hale’s voice feels like it was ripped straight out of the 70s. It’s rad. But the peaceful lows return around the four minute mark, offering a really delicate, string-driven approach to the ideas introduced earlier in the number – the acoustic guitars remaining as the only constant. It’s really impressive and unlike anything I’ve experienced in the Utah music scene.

(Also, the solo at 6 minutes is INSANE.)

Meanwhile, “The Gift” offers a different kind of weight. It’s less explosive, but equally impactful. Its origin story, with lyrics written in Hale’s youth and rediscovered later in life, adds a layer of sincerity as the guitars lean heavily on the intense harmonic changes. Across these tracks, MELŌ demonstrates a rare ability to balance technical complexity with memorability, crafting songs that are as engaging on a first listen as they are rewarding on repeated ones.

A lot has been said in the scene lately about AI and the importance of feeling human effort go into music, and this album proves that point. You can feel the intentionality here. No shortcuts. Just big ideas, wild swings, and immaculate execution.

That said, HiLo occasionally feels burdened by its own ambition. The density that makes it compelling can also make it overwhelming, particularly for listeners who aren’t already inclined toward prog or orchestral rock. But while a slightly more restrained approach in future releases or more accessible/pop-oriented track lengths could win them more listeners, I’d rather listeners bend their wills to MELŌ’s vision instead. Honestly, we need more artists to take things in this direction and to start demanding more of their audience. The payoffs are worth it.

Ultimately, HiLo is a bold, fully realized vision. It captures a band unafraid to chase big ideas and follow them through to completion, no matter how complex the path.

Make sure to follow MELŌ on Instagram. You can listen to the title track below!