Melt’s debut album, "If There’s a Heaven," traces the band’s journey from playing weekend shows to a full-blown, cross-country tour. Known for their mix of rock, pop, and funk, Melt's showcases their most cohesive sound, balancing polished production with the energy of their live performances.
Recorded live to tape with producer Sam Evian, "If There’s a Heaven" captures a raw, almost tangible quality that connects with the modern-day struggles of romance, community, and sense of self. The decision to record live underscores the organic chemistry between the band members—vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer, guitarist Marlo Shankweiler, keyboardist Eric Gabriel, and bassist Lucas Saur—who formed Melt and released their first hit before they even hit college.
The album’s cover art, a striking photograph from 1977 by Andy Sweet, encapsulates the nostalgic themes running throughout the record. The image, featured in an old New Yorker piece on Camp Mountain Lake, showcases a young girl wielding a tennis racket, dressed in vintage Converse and pom-pom socks. The twist? That girl, as it turns out, is guitarist Marlo Shankweiler’s mother, Tara.
At their recent 9:30 Club show (covered in our previous article), Melt shared the story behind the cover. The photo’s energy reflects the album’s themes of self-discovery and boldness. For Melt, it was more than an aesthetic choice; it connected to their roots and community spirit. And as an added bonus, Tara was a special guest in the crowd that night.
The album’s stories and melodies speak to finding oneself, embracing the people and places that shape us, and navigating life’s highs and lows with confidence and heart. Just like the photograph on the cover, it’s a reminder that moments of youth live on, ready to inspire whenever you press play.