Melissa Engleman's "Love, Death, and Mexico" is a triumph of resilience & raw emotion
Some voices don’t just sing—they tell stories, and Melissa’s latest EP is an open book of heartache, perseverance, and self-discovery. Recorded at Plaid Dog Studios in Boston, with additional vocal work at Craftsman Recording in Austin, this five-song collection is a testament to Melissa’s unwavering artistic vision, despite life’s many obstacles. From a cancer diagnosis to pandemic delays, the journey to this release wasn’t easy—but the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
The EP is steeped in indie rock textures with a dusting of Americana warmth, placing Melissa’s voice at the center of it all. Her vocal delivery is haunting yet comforting, rich with sincerity and emotion. The twangy ballad For As Long As My Heart Would Let Me is a heart-wrenching opener, weaving together longing and acceptance in a melody that lingers. Say Goodbye, drenched in 90s alternative influences, is a standout—a cathartic anthem of closure wrapped in fuzzed-out guitars and soaring vocals.
Each track builds on the last, offering a cohesive yet dynamic listening experience. The production is clean but never sterile, allowing every note, every lyric, and every ache in Melissa’s voice to shine through. The stories she tells aren’t just personal—they feel universal, inviting the listener into a space of reflection, healing, and empowerment.
Melissa’s EP is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a triumph over adversity and a reminder of the power of music to heal. It’s warm, inviting, and unflinchingly honest—a must-listen for anyone who’s ever had to fight for themselves.
For us, it was really her vocals that immediately won us over, but the more we’ve listened, the more we’ve been able to audibly uncover. Yes the instrumentation is inspired, but as a complete work, she’s hit the nail on the head with the tone, style, and themes covered. Lyrically it’s endlessly poetic and these songs serve as little snapshots of her life thus far. As a whole though, it’s a stellar EP that fully deserves the front to back listen!
Enjoy it for yourselves and click those links below to get into it at all as soon as you can. Don’t forget to follow along for more as well!
Listen to “Love, Death, and Mexico”
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