Born in Los Angeles, CA, between the streets of Mid-City, Melancali has been crafting their sound since 2019. The original lineup—David Perez (guitar/vocals), Donald Quintanilla (guitar), Geovany Leprada/Robin Orellana (bass), and Enrique Sanchez (drums)—with occasional help from their good friend Saywat on drums, spent their early days writing in David’s parents’ garage.

 Soon, they were playing backyard gigs and landing spots at venues like The Boulevard Bar, 5 Star Bar, warehouse shows, art events, and more. Around that time, they released their first EP, Nostalgia, 

As the years passed, life changes, personal differences, and moves brought shifts in the lineup, but the heart of the band stayed alive. After nearly four years apart, David and Donald began reconnecting to complete the missing pieces. They reached out to old high school friend Alan Daniel Piña (drums)—formerly of Destroyer and Siege—whose experience made him the perfect fit. Alan then introduced his close friend Javier Perez (bass), who had played with him in Destroyer and was currently in the punk band Total Failure. 

Meeting in Alan’s lockout room in the City of Vernon, the four jammed, shared a few drinks, and discussed their musical direction. While Alan and Javier were new to indie music, they embraced the style David and Donald envisioned, blending it with their own surf-punk edge to create a unique, energetic sound.

By 2025, the band had found its identity and performed at notable venues including The Escondite, Slipper Clutch, The Harvard Yard, Knucklehead, Old Towne Pub, The OffBeat, and The Smell.