We’ve drawn no shortage of attention to Berlin-based singer-songwriter Melis over recent months, and how could we resist her charming, honest and original pop songs? As we approach the release of her debut EP, featuring List Picks ‘Flower’ and ‘Sober (Over You)’, it’s time for yet another sweetly sung track - ‘Holding Hands’. One again, Melis’ distinct voice is in full focus, opening up the conversation “are you ready to talk? Because I’m ready to listen” against a backdrop of soft piano notes and simplistic laptop beats. As the seconds tick by, the track swells with punchy drums, climatic guitar melodies and Melis’ increasingly confident vocal. Accompanied by a video filmed in the artist’s home city Prague, ‘Holding Hands’ takes on a deeper meaning from the struggle of being in a toxic, one-sided relationship to that of being trapped in a supposedly utopian society, but being unable to find yourself there. It’s a gorgeously colour-worked and conceptually brilliant music video that’s a must-watch while listening to Melis’ latest accomplishment. - HT