Merit Maker – Breaking Edge (2022)
Influenced by a plethora of punk rock sounds from the 70s onwards, Merit Maker is an eclectic artist in the contemporary punk world. From the shouts of hardcore 80s punk to the catchy vibes of pop-punk in the 2000s, Merit Maker encapsulates the sounds and sentiments of it all. Originally featured on The Other Side Reviews in 2021, we are already aware of the singer-songwriter’s unique style. Yet, we are not the only ones captivated by his music. Featured on Skope Mag, The Ark Of Music, Indie Band Guru and iHeart Radio, Merit Maker is reaching audiences far and wide. The latest addition to his discography is Breaking Edge.
Following his full-length album Attitude Is Everything, Breaking Edge is a five-track blast of punk rock. Opening with the hard-hitting ‘Come Undone’, Merit Maker throws us back to the days of the Sex Pistols. With the power of Sid Vicious, Merit Maker screams his way into your heart with the first track. Not only is the song reminiscent of the controversiality of the Sex Pistols, but it has dynamic guitars, distorted bass and pounding drums underlying the heart-pumping sound.
We then move on to ‘Higher Hopes’ which is as powerful as ‘Come Undone’ prompting you to continue head-banging and bouncing about the mosh-pit. Another controversial track looking at anti-establishment sentiments with hints of empowerment in the inspiring melody. Merit Maker then demonstrates his punk versatility by moving to a pop-punk style in the next track, ‘Deal Breaker’.
As with ‘Deal Breaker’, the tracks ‘This And More’ and ‘Reality Check’ nod to a 90s meets 2000s pop-punk sound. The heavier ‘Deal Breaker’ and ‘Reality Check’ find a balance between The Offspring and Green Day, while ‘This And More’ is a smooth end to the EP reminiscent of early Good Charlotte. What is retained regardless of the single or its sound is the heartfelt honesty and brutality of the lyrical content. It’s all about life and touches on the pains and pleasures of reality.
While I do mention other bands as a note of comparison, Merit Maker is an artist in his own right and not to be pigeon-holed. Bold, brash and larger than life, Merit Maker’s music is anthemic and would be amazing to see live!
For more from Merit Maker, check out his Spotify.
