Audio Karate 'Lady Melody'

Originally released in 2004, Lady Melody is the second full-length from Audio Karate, the Southern California band whose mix of melodic punk, pop-punk, and technical songwriting gave them a sound entirely their own.

Produced by Bill Stevenson of Descendents and ALL, Lady Melody pushed well beyond the conventions of Audio Karate’s debut. Intricate guitar lines, unexpected key changes, driving punk rhythms, and enormous melodies collide throughout the album, creating songs that often feel like they should fall apart but somehow lock perfectly into place.

The record includes “Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico),” “Nintendo 89,” “Ms. Foreign Friendly,” “Hey Maria,” “A Whole Lotta Weight,” and the title track, capturing Audio Karate at their most adventurous while retaining the hooks and emotional directness that built their audience.

Formed by four Mexican American friends from the suburbs of East Los Angeles, Audio Karate emerged during the early-2000s Southern California punk explosion, releasing music through Kung Fu Records and touring with bands including NOFX, Face to Face, The Ataris, and others while making multiple appearances on the Vans Warped Tour.

For the album’s 20th Anniversary, Iodine Recordings brought Lady Melody back to vinyl in a newly restored edition, completely remastered for vinyl by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room. The reissue features redesigned artwork along with a retrospective from the band and Bill Stevenson, giving one of Audio Karate’s most beloved records a definitive new presentation.

As Stevenson recalls, Lady Melody remains a particularly memorable record from his years behind the board, with “Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico)” standing among his favorite songs he has produced.