Merchandise - Lo-tech Solutions To Hi-tech Problems
[Cityscape Records]

Never has an intro been so deceiving, the skiffle-psychedelic-reggae-jazz fest instrumental promises things which don't happen later. Instead the group opt for a laid-back, collection of lazy summer anthems.

The crossover of acoustics and electronica - it's a tried and tested formula which hardly gets the excitement pumping, but Merchandise pull it off remarkably well, creating a sound they can distinctively call their own.

'Lo-Tech..' teases like a poppier, more chart friendly Simian, full to the brim with early Badly Drawn Boy oddities, and future-folk sensibilities. They combine lush melodies & grand technical capabilities with a refreshingly cute inventiveness.

Armed with a vocalist who is the spit for a young Sam Prekop, not to mention the constant swopping of instruments like they are going out of fashion, the album makes for an incredibly diverse listen.

A collage of sounds, varied genres and a flawless talent for writing brilliant pop songs. Summer is finally here and Merchandise are the soundtrack.