Melophobia, released in 2013, saw Cage the Elephant exploring a more experimental and diverse sonic palette, moving beyond their earlier garage rock influences. The album marked a deliberate effort by the band to evolve their sound and challenge listener expectations.
- The album was produced by Jay Joyce, who had previously worked with artists like John Prine and Emmylou Harris, bringing a different sensibility to the band's sound. Melophobia debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard 200 chart, becoming their third consecutive album to chart within the top 25. The lead single, "Come a Little Closer," received considerable airplay on alternative radio stations, and its music video, directed by D.A. Moreland, became a memorable visual companion to the album's more introspective themes.
- The album title, "Melophobia," is a portmanteau of "melos" (Greek for song or melody) and "phobia," suggesting an aversion to melody, which belied the album's intricate and often catchy songwriting. While the band had previously been associated with a more straightforward garage rock sound, Melophobia incorporated elements of psychedelia, funk, and even electronic music.
- Despite the title, the album was critically well-received, with many critics noting the band's growth and willingness to experiment. It was recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, a studio with a rich history in country music, which provided an interesting backdrop for the alternative rock sessions.
Hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Cage the Elephant is an alternative rock band that rose to prominence in the late 2000s with their energetic live shows and genre-blending sound. By 2013, they had established themselves as a significant force in the indie rock scene, following the success of their previous albums.
Tracklist
