I got a package about two weeks ago from the excellent Ulf at Aux Records containing some music from Syracuse, NY’s Merit. While Ulf claimed that some had compared their sound to that of emo-core greats Texas Is The Reason, I really didn’t hear it (and after a few more listens I still think that’s a bit of a stretch).
Anyhow, on their first record (2004’s When We fight), what I heard was a talented band that hadn’t yet found their identity. Musically the album is all over the map and hints at what the band was capable of but (in my opinion) misses the mark. It is a jumble of heavy jam-rock, acoustic songs, and awkward rockers. Since that time (however) Merit has grown by leaps and bounds and is now a band you want to give a listen to. Let me also mention that their singer (Brenna Merrit) has quite a powerful set of pipes that remind me (at times) of Allison from the now-defunct Florida pop-punk band Discount.
On their just released (May 9th) double EP, Merit’s sound (though it is much more streamlined and focused) still retains a little of that 311 meets Incubus groove-oriented party rock vibe, but is significantly more cohesive than their previous release. The band sounds almost like a female-fronted Gameface. Pop-rock with obvious punk influences and enough hooks that sounds like it could be played on radio stations across the country. The self-titled 10 song double EP is comprised of 1/2 charged up rock songs and 1/2 acoustic songs. Buy it now on Aux Records.
MP3 | Merit – Blue Bedroom S/T EP
MP3 | Merit – Nixon S/T EP
