Melt the Honey is PACKS most confident album to date with sugary vocals and fuzzed-out instrumentation trickling throughout.

Toronto based PACKS’ third album Melt the Honey glistens with syrupy fuzz. It’s the bands strongest work to date, cementing a sound that is truly unique to them. Distorted guitars and grungy vocals have always been part of PACKS identity, but on this album, the song writing is more meticulous than usual, with an unbridled confidence at the forefront. Recorded between Mexico City and Xalapa, there is a strong sense of discovery that translates into the music. Shining sun-soaked vocals and thoughtful band arrangements seem to be more prevalent.

Opening with ‘89 Days’ PACKS sets the tone for the album with a nostalgic reflection on procrastination and disorganisation. Madeline Link's vocals, a defining element of the band's identity, guide us through the complexities of laziness and the constant reminder of missed opportunities. The track becomes a poignant reminder of the passage of time, encapsulated in the refrain of hitting "remind me later" to the persistent Time Machine backup reminder, a symbol of unresolved tasks.

‘Honey’ the second track, provides a stark contrast with its thematic shift to a love song. Link's vocals, akin to melted honey, drip with a sugary sweetness, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. ‘Pearly Whites’ draws inspiration from Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" using the character Dean's arrogant and cruel behaviour to critique the societal applause for such behaviour as long as it remains new, exciting, and sexy. This track provides a sociocultural commentary on the acceptance of certain behaviours based on their perceived allure, a theme that resonates throughout the album. 

‘Hfcs’ is a great example of how this band know their limitations but are still ready to experiment, with the track opening to Link’s blaring vocals before she humorously realises “no, I don’t think that’s going to work.” In the track PACKS explores the addictive nature of sugar, particularly the ubiquity of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the American diet. The commentary on the most subsidized crop in the US raises questions about the culture of instant gratification and the allure of promises of happiness. The preference for the genuine taste of maple syrup becomes a metaphor for choosing authenticity over artificial sweetness.

‘AmyW’ takes us back to Link's teenage years, channelling the influence of artists like Wavves and Ty Segall. The track, initially created in 2011 and named in homage to the late Amy Winehouse, undergoes a transformation in this version. The cleaner and more concise rendition retains some chaos from its original form, showcasing the band's growth and maturity over the years.

‘Take Care’ introduces a familiar riff borrowed from Link's father's song ‘Insane Collection Girl’. The progression evokes a sense of acceptance and realization, illustrating the intergenerational influence on Link. The use of familiar elements from the past adds layers of depth to the album, connecting the warmth of Xalapa and Mexico City to the band's brooding Canadian roots.

‘Her Garden’ takes a unique turn, drawing inspiration from a painting by F Scott Hess titled "Her Garden." The exploration of sexuality through the lens of visual art adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Link's perspective shift, observing herself from the angle of the painting, creates a multisensory connection.

‘Missy’ and ‘Trippin’ inject a dose of whimsy and everyday struggles into the album. The stray cat, named Missy, becomes a charming character in the narrative, reflecting the preciousness of animals and their ability to manipulate for desired outcomes.

Closing the album is ‘Time Loop’ inspired by the melancholic sight of abandoned rest stops during the band's tour. The broken windows and shingle-popped roofs of the storefronts become symbols of decrepitude, yet there is an underlying excitement in the decay. The juxtaposition of despair and allure encapsulates the album's overarching theme of finding beauty in imperfection, which is a theme that comes up throughout the bands discography. 

On previous PACKS albums there are moments where songs feel too short, or even underwritten but there’s a new confidence on Melt the Honey with a noticeable attention to detail that leads to it being their most cohesive and assertive record to date. Link's liquid vocals, flow seamlessly through the album. The tracks feel more mature and intricately crafted. With an impressive blend of introspection, experimentation, and catchy melodies, PACKS delivers what will probably be the best fuzzed-out slacker album you’ll hear this year.