Tampa DIY stalwarts Merchandise have moved miles from their origins on After The End, morphing from a trio to a quintet and in the process changing their vibe and demeanour exponentially to now mirror an atmospheric ‘80s pop band more than their own rich post-punk roots.
Self-recorded and then mixed by Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Interpol), the production is top-notch but it’s hard to get a handle on their ambition – the songs are consistently solid, but it almost takes a suspension of disbelief to accept this is the same Merchandise.
