Diskant Review

The good folks at Cityscape sent me a marvellous panoply of things to do with this release – not only a nice-looking snow-white 7″, but a CD, DVD containing the ‘Sometimes’ video and even a badge. So they’re already scoring high on generosity alone. Not that I can be bought, of course. Merchandise releases gone by have twinned low-fi ‘knowing loser’ pop with subtle electronica, but on ‘Sometimes’ it’s as simple a format as can be: plinky-plonk piano and sweet-hearted lyrics skipping along over a relaxed, summer-in-the-park arrangement of walking bassline and brushed drums. It’s all very cute, innocent and likeable, akin to a Badly Drawn Boy whose face you do not wish to smash in. B-side ‘Glitterati’ follows in a very similar vein, with fresh-feeling music and a vocal delivery that leans over Pulp’s garden fence. This isn’t a record for the cynics or noisemongers amongst you, but there must be some pop fans left out there?

Simon Minter

http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/city-best-rest

Merchandise – Album Sampler (Cityscape Records)

Reminding me of Squeeze and The Housemartins, this slightly effete light jazzy pop might appear deceptively simple but it’s well arranged and produced, almost guaranteed to have the listener skipping down a sun kissed Summer avenue. It sounds totally ideal for the soundtrack of any Working Title romantic comedy and places itself right in the territory of Everything But The Girl’s early gear. Great vocals, even better harmonies, nice keyboard stabs and well structured songs, Merchandise’s soulful, fluffy-ness is backed up by being well crafted and measured. All in all, a very good debut. James Masters

Not for them a musical template rendered dull by years of misuse, instead they’ve dragged in all sorts of instruments to create pared down movements with hints of Astrid Gilberto, The Go-Betweens and even a dash of St Germain.

And with liberal use of cheesy electronics, vibes, and George Benson-esque guitar, this strange hybrid has a surprisingly classy edge. It’s the sort of music you could imagine accompanying trippy visions in a wooded vale somewhere in the Forest of Dean . Check out Albino Rhino for proof, or even the final guitar wig out on Charlie Parker Was A Hobo, with its ever so slight nod to Santana.

There’s no doubt, Merchandise have got a touch of genius.