'SWALLOWING CURSES'
(2-track single/ 2001/ 'CITYSCAPE RECORDS')
Brad B. Wood� he sound to be in charge of the ickle record company 'Cityscape.' He also sounds to be a musical genius armed with a vision so charming and unadulterated you have to hear the music that he makes with mate Conrad Astley under the guise of Merchandise.
So they're a twosome from Bolton. Nothing bizarre sounding about that. Their music is a different story though, in a different realm from any peers, as the title track of this 2-song demo is introduced by a cool drum-&-feedback soundscape before Brad's lush acoustic guitar strums in and their Alt-pop poetry warms the heart, chilling the mood and allowing you to just relax and ponder. Life.
While the chorus cuts to a gorgeously melodic instrumental section, Merchandise somehow evoke the bountiful sounds of bands akin to Shack, Lowcraft and - albeit lesser so - Turin Brakes. Not that these 2 guys are folkies in any way, taking lo-fi ideas and ideals and making them sound as professional and as deliciously charming as possible with keyboards, programming and sampling ushered in for even better measure.
So lush, such a superb sound� the uplifting melancholy of 'Swallowing Curses' then steps into 'Terracotta Caterpillar' (that quirkily sounds as though it really should be the title of a Fonda 500 song), that's an upbeat instrumental cut-up by Brad's acoustic guitar. The feeling is like falling in love, as Brad and Conrad innovate to their hearts content. They have the technology and imaginations, and fortunately aren't afraid to use either, as this instrumental ranks alongside Belle & Sebastian's 'Electronic Renaissance' and David Bowie's 'Career in a New Town' as being one of my favourites.
What's more, Brad even sends along a teabag with the demo so you can enjoy both simultaneously - in perfect, blissful harmony.
Merchandise of this quality is priceless� (STEVE RUDD)
CONTACT 'CITYSCAPE RECORDS'� PO BOX 149, BOLTON, BL2 4FL.
Email� [email protected]