Tera Melos

Tera Melos

Tera Melos are an experimental rock group from Sacramento, United States. Formed in 2004, they work in styles associated with experimental music, instrumental rock, math rock, post-hardcore and post-rock, and they also draw on elements of math pop, jazz and ambient electronics. Their music is built around unusual song structures, rapid changes in rhythm, stop-start dynamics, improvisation, two-handed guitar tapping, open-ended bridges, and the use of effect pedals and samplers.

Early releases and line-up changes

The group first issues a four-track demo in 2004, then self-releases its untitled debut full-length in 2005. That album contains eight tracks and is later reissued by Sargent House in 2008. At this stage, Tera Melos are a three-piece made up of Nick Reinhart on guitar, vocals and keyboard, Nathan Latona on bass, and John Clardy on percussion. Before that line-up, the band also includes Jeff Worms on guitar.

During the period around its second EP, Drugs to the Dear Youth, Worms leaves the group. Reinhart’s vocals become more prominent on the 2007 split release Complex Full of Phantoms with By the End of Tonight, and the band releases Drugs to the Dear Youth on Sargent House in 2007. After drummer Vince leaves in 2007, the band later adds John Clardy as drummer.

Later releases

Tera Melos then issue the covers EP Idioms, Vol. I, which features versions of songs by The Beach Boys and Polaris. Their album Patagonian Rats follows in 2010 and also includes vocals. Across these releases, the band continues to move further away from its earlier sound while keeping the technical, rhythmically complex approach that defines its music.

Reception and reach

The group develops a cult following in the United States and also gains listeners in Europe, Asia and South America.