I find myself using the word “monstrous” often, when describing my favorite qualities in a fragrance. Melodia definitely has that attribute going for it in the context of longevity and projection. When I first sprayed it in the air fresh out of the box it shipped in, I promptly left the house for 2-3 hours and returned to find Melodia still permeating my open-concept closet.

I like this scent. There are a lot of things about it’s profile that are great. I’m no expert, so I won’t endeavor to list them, that I might avoid misleading anybody.

But there’s something in this bottle, some singular strangeness that’s prevented me from actually wearing Melodia since I first received it weeks ago. Even just taking a whiff off the atomizer now, I get the overwhelming impression of burnt sugar, as I did when I received it. In the air and off of skin, so prominent and lasting that, as I sit in a room with that note hanging over me, I actually start to get a little bit nauseous.
And so, in keeping with the theme of monsters, I will admire Melodia for now at a respectful distance, as one would a lion, or even Medusa, from afar.

The verdict? It’s not bad. All factors considered it is actually very, very good. Its monstrous, the atomizer is solid, the presentation is unmatched (a reason Dumont is one of my favorite houses).

It’s just weird. So I will keep it, and I will perhaps wear it as it maturates. At the moment though, this creature called Melodia intimidates me. Be wary when blind-buying fragrances, ye wanderers.

DUMONT TRESADOR IS VERY BEAUTIFUL, GREAT FRUITY FLORAL, DECENT PROJECTION AND LONGEVITY. I WOULD RECOMMEND