New Jersey quartet The Melancholy Kings have unveiled their latest single “Victoria,” a jangly guitar-rock track that serves as a centerpiece for their sophomore album Her Favorite Disguise. Resurrected from the band’s early archives and updated for the modern era, the song blends the influence of 1980s alternative legends like R.E.M. and The Replacements with a contemporary lyrical perspective. Frontman Mike Potenza describes the track as a “time capsule” that advocates for mutual kindness as a way to confront personal demons. Produced and mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording Studio, the recording captures the raw, unpolished energy of the band’s live performances with minimal overdubs and a driving, guitar-forward arrangement.
The duo of Potenza and bassist Scott Selig, who first met while working in a Manhattan law firm, have built a record that serves as a sophisticated nod to pre-grunge alternative rock. Her Favorite Disguise follows their self-titled debut and features an impressive roster of guest contributors, including trumpeter Mac Gollehon and vocalist Reneé LoBue. The single arrives alongside a music video that offers a factual look at the band’s studio process, including clips of the group discussing the take in real-time. This release cements The Melancholy Kings as a vital force for fans of authentic, high-wire power pop, bridging the gap between nostalgic college rock and the complexities of the digital age.