Brad B. Wood - Vocals, guitars, bass, production
Conrad Astley - Piano, keyboards, programming
Influences
Fugazi, Pixies, Pavement, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Tortoise, Stereolab, Curtis Mayfield, Bonnie Prince Billy, Neutral Milk Hotel, Neil Young
Sounds Like
Belle and Sebastian, Kings of Convenience, Badly Drawn Boy, Magic Numbers, Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie
Great news for fans of gorgeous hi-quality, lo-fi organic-pop. Merchandise are back.
Not content to sit back and soak up the plaudits from critically acclaimed second album, ‘Lo-tech Solutions to Hi-tech problems’, the creative drive of Merchandise’s Brad B Wood and Conrad Astley is flowing as richly as ever and in June 08 Merchandise drop stunning new single, Sometimes, in our laps, and with it look set to cement their growing reputation as creators of glorious melodic-pop.
Consummate in the art of marrying luscious acoustic loveliness with all the cut n paste potential of this digital age, Merchandise have once again struck joyful, life-affirming musical gold.
The title track sounds like waking up on a sunny Sunday morning next to the warm body of a postcoital lover. Dripping with dreamy optimism, Brad B Wood’s effortless vocal floats alongside the sprightly piano before the melodic and vibrant rhythm section kicks in and takes the chorus soaring in a swirl of harmonically entwined instrumental elegance and loved-up lyrics.
Track 2, Glitterati, is a further example of Merchandise lo-fi loveliness, albeit in slightly more cynical mood. The uplifting piano is reeled in by the dark lead guitar line and world weary lyrics that Brad delivers from the regretful point of view of one recently duped or deceived; ‘you told me how the field of glitter, is sowed with gold and silver lies. I should have seen it from the outset but I had glitter in my eyes’.
Mournful yet ultimately uplifting, Merchandise’s perfect knack of producing aural comfort means Glitterati’s lyrical content and tender vocal doesn’t quite defeat the notion that there is still light at the end of this particular tunnel.
With Sometimes, Merchandise have produced the perfect antidote to winter’s greys and blues, and have once again produced a familiar, yet unique cocktail of charming, disarming and seductive music.
So go on, treat yourself to a taste of the Merchandise.
For more information contact Danny Payne on 020 7095 8146
"Uplifting piano led pop with a summery tint to it…" Subba Cultcha.com
"This Breath of fresh air is the perfect introduction to Merchandise’s uplifting pop sound. A story told through stirring optimistic lyrics with a simple, catchy musical accompaniment, this radio-friendly treat has the potential to put Merchandise on the Map." Music Week
"This isn’t a record for the cynics or noisemongers amongst you, but there must be some pop fans left out there?" Diskant
"Almost guaranteed to have the listener skipping down a sun kissed Summer avenue."
Clash
Hey, long time no speak, how's it going? I thought that you'd be interested to know that my newest and second release - the five-track Calmer Than Karma EP - was released worldwide on Monday. It's only £2 to buy on CD, including delivery. If you're interested in grabbing a copy then please make your way to morgasmic. co. uk. Cheers!
This is an unmissable show! After the rave reviews of Sam Amidon's last show in Manchester, where, in league with Red Deer Club, we arranged for Sam to play at the Unitarian Chapel with a string quartet, we couldn't wait for the opportunity to bring him back. Since that time, his album All is Well has been critically lauded and the media have finally caught on to the New Yorker's immense talent.
Incredibly, the opportunity that has arisen includes a touring party from Sam's Icelandic label, Bedroom Community. Sam will be performing with a six-piece band, including legendary producer and Bedroom Community chief, Valgeir Sigurðsson.
And if that isn't enough for you, Valgeir will also be performing tracks from his own album, Ekvílibríum, a critically lauded masterpiece of electronica-laced folk.
To cap it all, the night will be kicked off by support from Manchester's own acoustic-electronica maestro, Denis Jones; having waited two years to play in this wonderful venue, he will be playing his fourth show here inside two months, after support for Jack Rose, Phosphorescent and Chris Corsano.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wishing you a fulfilling year and I hope 2008 brings you all you wish for! :)
Juliana x
My 12 track debut album, HOLDING UP THE SKY, is now available on ITUNES or from your favourite download site! ...perfect for brightening those dark winter days!
Or you can order the Limited Edition CD with beautiful artwork and 12 page booklet from my website...
We've got a little change to the line-up - The Cassettes have been replaced with our wonderful and ADORABLE friends The Paris Riots.
Print out one of the flyers to GUARANTEE entry to Sankey's or GIVE US YOUR NAMES to go on our list, its gonna be a BUSY night between us and the guys in the main room... you might struggle to get in otherwise and we don't want that!!
Its gonna be a GREAT night... don't forget your flyers ;)
Good, We're starting to get some good response from the album and things are starting to move a bit faster. How about yourself, did you get anythinng out of ITC?
Hey Brad, it's good to hear from you. I'm alright thanks, how've you been? It's funny you should say that because I listened to it yesterday! I really like it, it's got a Beatles-esque vibe to it, which is cool. Keep up the good work fella!
theres plenty of places, west street live, the grapes, under the boardwalk, if you defo wanna come over and do a gig let me know and i'll see if i can rustle up a few promoters details for yer.
..
