Tera Melos is a band from Sacramento, USA , that incorporates many styles … Read Full Bio ↴Tera Melos is a band from Sacramento, USA , that incorporates many styles of math rock, math pop, jazz, ambient electronics and unconventional song structure all in one, to create their original genre. They are currently a three-piece (formerly four) consisting of Nick Reinhart (guitar/vocals/keyboard) Nathan Latona (bass), John Clardy (percussion).

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.

Sunburn
Tera Melos Lyrics

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You can watch yourself or say
That you won’t be caught in violence
...that’s really amazing

I can’t really think about ...revelation
Slight skin is chase like them ... away

Oh no, I forget

I forgot what I came to say
Try turn the time ... a sunburn
Some things you can’t explain, for real

Dreams will come, I know, I know, I know, I know
So I’m ...thinking of, hardly can’t consider selfs

Oh no, I forget
I forgot what I came to say

Try turn the time ... a sunburn
Some things you can’t explain, for real

Try turn the time ... a sunburn
Some things you can’t explain, for real.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tera Melos's song Sunburn convey a feeling of confusion and forgetfulness, mixed with a sense of awe and wonder. The singer seems to be addressing someone else, perhaps a friend or a loved one, urging them to be careful and avoid violence. However, the singer also admits that they themselves can't fully grasp the situation, and that their mind is preoccupied with other concerns. There is an elusive quality to the words, as if they are hinting at a deeper meaning that is just beyond reach.

The title of the song, Sunburn, may provide a clue as to what this deeper meaning could be. Sunburn is a physical sensation that results from overexposure to the sun, and can cause pain, discomfort, and even damage to the skin. However, it is also a temporary sensation that fades with time, much like the passing of a moment or a memory. The singer seems to be suggesting that there are some things in life that are difficult to explain, but which nonetheless leave a lasting impression.

Overall, the lyrics to Sunburn suggest a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, mixed with a feeling of amazement at the mysteries of life. The words are enigmatic and dreamlike, inviting the listener to approach them with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Line by Line Meaning

You can watch yourself or say That you won’t be caught in violence ...that’s really amazing
You have the choice to either watch yourself or deny involvement in violent situations, and the fact that the latter is even an option is truly remarkable.

I can’t really think about ...revelation Slight skin is chase like them ... away
I'm having trouble processing this epiphany, and even a small sunburn can be enough to drive pests away.

Oh no, I forget I forgot what I came to say Try turn the time ... a sunburn Some things you can’t explain, for real
Oops, I lost my train of thought. Let's try to recreate the moment and feel the confusion again à la giving yourself a sunburn, because some experiences truly defy explanation.

Dreams will come, I know, I know, I know, I know So I’m ...thinking of, hardly can’t consider selfs
I have faith that my dreams will come true, but right now I'm consumed by thoughts that make it hard to focus on myself.

Try turn the time ... a sunburn Some things you can’t explain, for real Try turn the time ... a sunburn Some things you can’t explain, for real.
Repeating the idea that some things simply defy explanation, and trying to recreate that feeling in order to better understand it.

Contributed by Mason B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS