Ah yes… the tale is as old as time. Perennial band cog becomes dissatisfied with the band’s direction and decides to go solo. Philly’s Joe Stanton has been doing his part, playing his role, putting in the work. Once a musician senses they are at odds with the group, those whispers get louder. I’m not sure what kind of bands Joe was playing with but in Merit Maker, he calls the shots. A great thing too because their new Better Days Ahead LP is sharp. When listening to new music, there are boxes I check. They include sound, execution, concept, originality. Merit Makers checks all those boxes. His music is straightforward. No pads, samples, or layers of vocals. What you’ll find is exemplary tone, musicianship and songwriting. If you enjoy music from Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World, read on.
In my opinion the first three songs set the tone of how listeners listen. If you nail the first three tracks, you’ve earned their trust. They will let the album play. “Set It Straight” is a banger with a body moving chorus. Merit Maker walks us efficiently to said chorus, and beyond like a well curated tour. The syropy bridge is sheer melodic nirvana. Close your eyes and let the warm rock n roll fuzzies take over.
The album’s most radio friendly tune is “The Stolen Hearts“. Reminiscent of sounds from mid 90’s punk bands that were breaking into the mainstream. Chugging palm muted guitar verses, big open chord choruses… They got the formula down. However, it’s the dynamics that make the track exceptional. Not only from a musicianship standpoint, but more so from the writing. The parts that set up the next are expertly placed like a stone mason-built beauty.
Letting us know, Merit Maker is indeed a punk band is the LP’s third single, “Around Again“. Double time drums drive, like a sports car’s redline rpm roar. Bright bassline notes run lockstep the drum pattern. In the chorus, they bring the tempo down and unleash a single note guitar melody. We are locked in. When the vocals enter the chorus, it’s game over. This song kills. The double time outro is another nugget, tight and furious. Phenomenal songwriting.
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