Hailing from Orange County, California, Mêlée are the kind of band that I'd happily recommend to most people's mums. But if you attach any negativity to that idea, try to dispel it - there's nothing wrong with being a nice, shiny pop rock band, and Mêlée are big enough and brave enough a four piece to realise this. On Devils & Angels, their second album and major label debut, they put pop hooks and catchy melodies squarely at the forefront of their sound, and everything is covered in a slick production gloss courtesy of producer Howard Benson (of Papa Roach fame, among others).Even though Mêlée aren't even trying to break new ground on this record, they are undeniably good at what they do - at least five of the songs have spectacularly catchy and memorable choruses that will really stick with you, not least because of Chris Cron's powerful, smooth voice. It's an album that is bursting at the seams with potential singles, from the already-released 'Built to Last', with its familiar sentiment but perfectly carried off pop rock love song template to 'Frequently Baby (She's A Teenage Maniac)' with its frenetic pace and irreverent lyrics. There are slightly less overtly commercial songs too, like 'Can't Hold On', which has flavours of 80s power balladry, but generally speaking Devils & Angels is an upbeat, if not entirely California-sunny, set of songs.The energy and clarity of the songs are striking from the start, and whilst again not groundbreaking, the musical arrangements are thorough and widescreen at all times - the piano is at turns touching and then excitingly intense and complex, the guitar work is occasionally allowed to run off track a little and explore, generally speaking, whilst Mêlée's plan is hardly complicated or ambitious, they pull it off with great enthusiasm and aplomb.The first half is definitely stronger, and the album does feel a little overwrought at 13 tracks (ending with a cover of Hall & Oates' 'You Make My Dreams') but Devils & Angels is no less than a strong, fun pop rock album which proves that this is a kind of music which shouldn't be looked upon with derision without closer inspection. On top of which, thanks to Mêlée, I've discovered regions of my keyboard I didn't realise existed! What more can you ask? 70%Links Mêlée [myspace]