While many might argue that today’s music industry is heavily singles-based, true artistry blossoms in complete projects like albums and EPs.

In a perfect world, the success of a single catapults a band to exceptionalism, empowering them to hone their artistic prowess in a full-length project.

And dear reader, thank God this was the case for New York-based indie outfit, Melt.

Melt was born as a high school senior project in 2017, but after the undeniable success of their debut single, “Sour Candy,” which topped out at No. 5 on Billboard’s U.S. Viral 50 Chart that year, they’ve managed to maintain their sincere songwriting.

“Sour Candy” captures the internal ebbs and flows of a relationship, with homey imagery of lazy afternoons spent lounging with a special someone. Lead singer Veronica Stewart-Frommer lets it rip with controlled, savory vibrato throughout the track, while adding a necessary emphasis to powerful lines like “And babe, I know the both of us are happy when we’re free / But would it be so hard to find your freedom here with me?”

Stewart-Frommer’s vocals are without a doubt the main event of the track, but guitar and saxophone trade solos in the bridge, highlighting the band’s charismatic riffs that flow effortlessly.

Beyond their hit single, Melt’s only EP, “West Side Highway,” and debut album, “If There’s a Heaven,” reach new heights while staying grounded with earnest storytelling.

Independently produced, the album flaunts a remarkably raw and intimate performance, with tracks recorded live together rather than each instrument in isolation. Listening feels like stepping into your childhood home, with a touch of soul that elevates the nostalgic pop-power. The album also features some subtle biblical language throughout, tying the project together thematically.

So often an album’s namesake track is a letdown, but “Heaven” hits the nail on the head with big questions and big revelations backed by charming piano and guitar. The track’s central lyric, “If there’s a heaven everybody’s getting in,” is overwhelmingly soothing, as are other poignant lyrics like “I’d rather take the punch than miss the fight” and “Is the act of falling greater than the sky?”

Some of the band’s best lyrics are heard in “Veronica’s Apology,” a reflective and introspective track that still boasts a snappy tempo and groovy bassline. While clever lyrics like “I tried fending off our demons / With a lavender bouquet” stand out during the track, the repeated lyrics of “To face the end / To lose a friend” pack an emotional punch.

“Plant the Garden” is a harsh metaphor about a relationship doomed by self-sabotage, with lyrics accusing another of planting a garden and poisoning the water. The track’s playful energy is contrasted by cutting lines like “Remember while you’re driving nails into the ground / That it doesn’t mean a thing / If you’re gonna burn it down.”

Closing out the album, “Communion” is a prayer-like, intimate performance framed around Stewart-Frommer “in communion” with her past self. She sings of how she will “Fall in love with other people / To remember love with you.” The track is a phenomenal end to the album, as listeners can find a bit of peace in the mellow, toned-down vibe, while Stewart-Frommer stuns with striking vocals.

Aside from “If There’s a Heaven,” Melt’s EP “West Side Highway” isn’t as memorable as their album, but two strong tracks did come out of it — “Waves” and “Brown Eyes.” The former sees Stewart-Frommer come to terms with the end of a relationship, as she realizes even through all the heartache, “You get a new coffee order / And you keep movin’ on.”

“Brown Eyes” tells a different story, one of settling into the comfort of a stable relationship with someone who appreciates you fully, backed by a luscious horn section.

Melt is still making their rounds with the upcoming release of the deluxe edition of “If There’s A Heaven” on Friday, featuring the band’s latest singles, “Stay For The High” and “Find Somebody” — both soft rock tracks — as well as gearing up for what’s sure to be a monumental tour with Sammy Rae & The Friends.

Aden Max Juarez is a sophomore writing about non-mainstream music in his column, “Underground Earworms,” which ran every other Thursday. He is also an Arts and Entertainment editor at the Daily Trojan.