Mell VF ascends to the throne with “Queen of the Castle”

Soundz rating: 8.5/10

Mell VF’s album “Queen of the Castle” is an impressive blend of soul, blues, and pop, showcasing how well the trio is in sync with one another. Mell’s powerful and warm voice is beautifully supported by the signature vintage Hammond organ of Martin Scheppink and the tight drumming of Ton Dijkman. Together, they create a timeless sound that feels both nostalgic and modern.

By Marco Aarden

For Soundz, I had a relaxed conversation with Mell about her new album. The interview didn’t take place in a café or office, but comfortably at her home in Volendam. The hospitality was evident from the first moment. We all know by now that Mell comes from a musical family. Her participation in “Beste Zangers” gave us the chance to get to know her even better, and since then, she has confidently walked her own path. This has led her to where she is now: with a new album in hand.

The album opens with “New Beginnings,” an instrumental track. In this minute and a half, you can feel the emotion of realizing that this is truly a fresh start. The foundation has been laid. The title track, “Queen of the Castle,” opens strongly with a soulful vibe. The lyrics convey a message of strength and confidence, a theme that runs throughout the entire album.

It is clear that Mell VF knows how to tell a story through music, with each track having its own atmosphere and energy. The production is warm and organic, perfectly matching the band’s retro influences. Storytelling will certainly take center stage during their theater tour “DNA,” which will continue across the country until March 2025.

Mell VF brings versatility

Various tracks showcase Mell’s vocal versatility, ranging from raw and emotional to subtle and restrained. Martin’s organ playing provides a vintage feel, while Ton’s rhythms lay a solid foundation. Complemented by strings, the tracks are elevated to an even higher level.

“Queen of the Castle” is an album that grows with each listen, revealing more details. For fans of soulful music with a twist, this is an absolute must. The album proves that Mell VF has refined their unique sound and deserves a place in today’s Dutch music scene. Or, as Rob Stenders already predicted, this will score well beyond the Netherlands too.