The Meltdown - Better Days [Official Video]

Southern Soul from the great southern land.

Having built their sound off the back of mesmerising live performances, they were signed to Melbourne label Hopestreet Recordings in 2015 and released ‘Better Days’ as a 45 soon after.

Making the song the focus, The Meltdown stay true to the story and keep your attention on the soaring voice of Simon Burke. It’s soul, but it’s something else indefinable; like you’ve heard him before but don’t know where. The rhythm section create a hypnotic spacious groove to lean upon and the horns gracefully tie it all together. This stellar band bring a blend of Stax and Motown with a healthy dose of the Nashville songwriting tradition. Songs to move your heart and your feet as echoes of Memphis soul resonate.

Their debut self-titled record was released in 2017 to great critical acclaim, followed by a run of sold out shows and festival appearances.

The Meltdown continue the tradition of world-class soul bands to emerge from Melbourne, Australia and they’ll wrap you in their warm embrace. With a new album on the way along and local and international touring, the soul from the south will be carried far and wide.

Great vibe, great sound, but it’s the song that’s king here.

Blank Tape Video
Camera 1: Tim Marriage
Camera 2: Cesar Rodrigues
Edit: Cesar Rodrigues

[leoazeredo]

Can I sing it 10 times, 20 times in loop? Can I dance to it, maybe cry a little? Can I learn it on guitar and sing it to my wife?
It's 2024, and I thank the universe for coming across this song, which is instantly a real favorite. I am touched. You are awesome!!

[loureirodamota]

Man... 1min of silence for those who did not find this song yet. Close my eyes and travel back to good memories. Heard it 1.000.000 times now and still counting

[beachgirl]

Why am I just hearing this song in 2023?? Soooo good. Do they still record? Awesome

[jonkelly-zxxd]

Cmon yall! Let's all help pump this band to the top!! Such a fantastic sound! Horns....yes please, vocal is amazing!!

[nudaveritas]

Why am I findings this only now?
This song is amazing.
Fucking love it!

[JohnsonMcJohnson-gp]

HOW have i never heard of this band before. Some of my favorite artists are Teskey Brothers and St Paul and the Broken bones!!! Totally under my radar!

[kenmurphy]

The Meltdown's song "Better Days" is a poignant exploration of longing, regret, and the hope for a brighter future. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, as the protagonist drives down a highway with a sense of aimlessness and desperation. The imagery of having an arm out the window and baggage on fire suggests a desire to let go of past burdens and move forward, even if the path ahead is uncertain. The recurring theme of an orange glow and burning blaze symbolizes the intensity of the protagonist's emotions and the turmoil they are experiencing.
The chorus reflects a deep yearning for better days, a time when life was more manageable and hopeful. The protagonist clings to the belief that these days will return and save them from their current despair. This hope is juxtaposed with the reality of their situation, where they feel lost and unable to understand what went wrong. The metaphor of words flickering like flames and falling like leaves emphasizes the fleeting nature of their thoughts and the sense of loss they feel. The miles they travel do not bring the solace they seek, highlighting the internal struggle that cannot be resolved by physical distance alone.
The song also touches on themes of isolation and the need for connection. The protagonist acknowledges that only a specific person can set them free, yet they feel unable to reach out, either due to lack of means or the belief that their call would go unanswered. The fading taste of better days on their tongue, compared to the setting sun, underscores the fleeting nature of hope and the urgency to find a way to hold on. "Better Days" by The Meltdown is a powerful reflection on the human condition, capturing the essence of longing for a time when life felt more secure and fulfilling.
Let's go drivin' on this highway
Let me wander far and wide
Got my arm out on the window
With my baggage on fire by my side
All I see is this orange color
I see it glowing, a burning blaze
I can't recall just why I'm here now
But I still remember better days
Better days (better days)
I know they can come again
And save me from this end
Help me carry on
Better days (better days), I can't keep going this way
Something's gotta help me stay
With this world, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Still don't know what I did wrong
I never asked for this jacket I wear
Words flicker like a flame in the breeze
Falling to the ground like leaves
Crashing down
And these miles don't seem to make things fine
Like I'd hoped
This distance would
And I drive like I got no place to be
Only you can set me free
If you only would
Better days (better days)
I ain't got a dime to call you
But you wouldn't answer
So what's the point?
Better days (better days), I can taste them on my tongue
Fading like the setting sun
It'll soon be gone, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

[MrTroybenjamin]

Hey guys. Just playing the song for the 20, 000th time at the cafe. All is well

[burkefied]

Thanks for the response everyone! We're going back into the studio in a few weeks to record our second EP, so stay tuned for a release later this year! Cheers.

[WedrownyGrajek]

Found it by accident, fallen in love with it, staying for longer!

[neilmaclean]

If you can stand still to this you need a Doctors appointment asap : what a groove, love love love this. Praise to the gods of music.

[mariadlaura]

I discovered this song in a taxi in Rio and Shazamed it. what a

[janajindra-princessofthesea]

Yeah that groove and backing vocals sparks joy to me. Great singing and feeling. Now I feel the better days.

[crysajb-iqhd]

I'm sorry, I knew I wasn't good enough to be around you. So in my mind I sent you to "the island."
I didnt say you had to stay. I had a bad feeling I was going to hurt you so you went to the island. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for your time. I love the music.
Thank you I thought of a friend from a long time ago.

[MrDARKKNIGHT]

Heard this while I was at a coffee shop here at Sri Lanka. Been in love with it ever since ❤

[alquimista_quantica]

His Voice...This music... the lyrics... its like... I cant have enough till today ❤️❤️❤️

[warrenspray]

Damn can't believe I've only just heard this now . Much love from a kiwi in Oz

[Dickelul]

I recently 'discovered', 'Sault - Wildfires' on the radio.❤
Today I heard this song for the first time.
Not quite the same, luckily 😏
But U gotta ❤ the beat of both these songs, at least I do ...?🤷🏽‍♂️

[margitorsos]

Megint egy érték a semmiből úgy bírom a zenék találnak meg engem s mindig olyan ami pont a pont😊❤

[jeffpunz]

So glad I discovered these guys. Their music and sound continues to help me out in tough times. For real. It's truly cathartic for me.