At first glance, the Amsterdam band Melqui offers gentle, chill, and romantic songs characterized by fingerpicked acoustic guitar and soothing vocals. The Latin grooves and vocal cadence, pay homage to frontman Lau Hochman's Argentinian and Portuguese heritage and evoke a blend of melancholy and summery imagery. However, the music quickly unveils itself with unexpected elements such as experimental textures, catchy guitar lines, deconstructed beats, and occasional fuzzed-out moments, crafting captivating contrasts.

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Lau's songwriting draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences from Argentine Rock legends like Sui Generis and Luis Alberto Spinetta as well as artists such as Radiohead, Nick Drake, and Devendra Banhart. The band features an eclectic international lineup from Brazil, the Netherlands, the US, Spain, and Israel, formally trained in Jazz and Classical Music at the Conservatory in Amsterdam, resulting in a unique and compelling musical journey that showcases their versatility and creativity. In their captivating live performances, each member brings their own unique charisma, making for a diverse and fun show that incorporates theatrical and improvisatory elements.

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Melqui's debut self-titled EP, released via Bloomer Records, was followed by a successful tour in the Netherlands, culminating with a release show in the Bovenzaal of Paradiso Amsterdam. They are also the support band for Erlend Øye on his Dutch tour dates this May.

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Their new upcoming album, to be released this fall, captures the live band as an extension of the imaginative aspects of the songs, recorded in Lautaro's home studio. The intimate setting lends a woody, raspy quality to the sound, while occasional rock sections introduce heavily distorted guitars, filtered saxophones, and intriguing plucking ambient sounds. 

With love songs at its core, the album explores various facets of love and relationships in our multicultural, social media-driven world. Lyrics in multiple languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese, French) reflect our globalized and diverse society. Through the prism of the love song, Melqui raises thought-provoking questions about identity, self-awareness, belonging, humor, and surrealism.