Tera Melos play a brand of math rock music characterized by quickly alternating rhythmic patterns, start-stop dynamics, improvisation, two-handed tapping on the guitar, extended open-ended bridges, and the use of effect pedals and samplers. After releasing a four song demo in 2004, they self released their untitled debut full-length on October 4, 2005. The album comprises eight tracks, and was re-issued in 2008 on Sargent House. While some of the tracks on the album feature distorted vocals that are somewhat undecipherable, (guitarist) Nick Reinhart started contributing more prominent vocals to the music with the release of their 2007 split with By the End of Tonight, called Complex Full of Phantoms.
Right before they started recording their second EP Drugs to the Dear Youth, one of the guitarists, Jeff Worms, left the band. It is rumored that Worms left to become a football star. This has been confirmed by Worms, although he has not cited what college he is currently playing for. On January 19, 2007, Tera Melos released the LP on Sargent House. ‘Drugs’ for short, was a step away from the previous sound they had before and farther into more progressive and original regions.
Tera Melos have over the past few years, developed a cult-like fan base around the United States and have recently gained some popularity in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Tera Melos announced on their MySpace page on April 2, 2007, that drummer Vince would be leaving the band to pursue other things, namely returning to college to pursue a career as a math professor. The band began searching for a new drummer shortly thereafter. After a little more than a year, the band announced the addition of John Clardy as their new drummer. Originally the band had planned a long-awaited LP release after touring, however they ended up releasing an EP of covers, featuring songs by The Beach Boys and Polaris, entitled Idioms, Vol. I.
On November 7, 2009, Tera Melos confirmed a new album due out in 2010 in a myspace bulletin. The post stated that the band was set to begin recording the next day, November 8. The new album, titled Patagonian Rats, was released in September 2010, and like their 2007 split with By the End of Tonight, it included vocals.
So Occult
Tera Melos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Singers writing songs always hating what they write
Double cross the con and you'll cross out your eyes
They'll tell you what they saw but you can't believe
These lyrics from Tera Melos's song So Occult carry a deep message about the societal pressure that artists face to conform to certain standards, be it in terms of their creativity or their physical appearance. The line "Architects were wrong and their teeth were painted white" speaks to the idea that those who construct and shape our physical world may not necessarily have our best interests at heart. The reference to their painted white teeth suggests a superficiality or a falseness that underlies their constructions. Similarly, the line "Singers writing songs always hating what they write" reveals the struggle that artists face when attempting to create something meaningful, only to have it constantly scrutinized and deconstructed by their own self-doubt and societal expectations.
The line "Double cross the con and you'll cross out your eyes" is a warning against the dangers of deceit and manipulation. It suggests that those who engage in such behavior will ultimately harm themselves as well. Finally, the line "They'll tell you what they saw but you can't believe" highlights the idea that we all see the world through our own subjective lenses, and that what one person sees as reality may not necessarily be true for another. In essence, So Occult is a song about the power dynamics that exist within the creative world, and the struggle to maintain one's own sense of authenticity and integrity in the face of these pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
Architects were wrong and their teeth were painted white
The people responsible for designing our world and shaping our future have failed and are trying to hide their mistakes with a superficial appearance.
Singers writing songs always hating what they write
Artists are constantly creating, but they struggle with self-doubt and often dislike their own work.
Double cross the con and you'll cross out your eyes
If you try to deceive someone or cheat them, you will ultimately end up hurting yourself and losing your own integrity.
They'll tell you what they saw but you can't believe
Others may try to explain their experiences to you, but it can be difficult to truly understand or trust their perspective.
Contributed by Molly F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Russell Grant
Man, these guys are an endless fount of nerd cool. I need them to come out with new stuff so I can be obsessed for another 2 years.
Roman Candel
I've watched this over 20 times and still can't stop laughing at the intro
stanmag
Lovely song, and good video, I LIKE IT! LUV TERA MELOS !!
Nicholas Joannides
favorite song off the album
ZECHS
Best album
dlsNi
this is the greatest music video ever
James Chuman
this video is so funny. i love it. the dunk at the end, came from nowhere lol.
David D
I love me some Melos.
Hay Zeus
I seriously laugh every time I watch this!
uni
still awesome