Merit Maker – Five More (2024)
Over a year after the release of his well-received album Pick Ups and Put Downs, singer-songwriter Merit Maker (also known as Joe Stanton) tackles the raw emotion of humans in Five More. Formed in 2019, the US-based singer-songwriter looked at the grittier side of life bringing it to life in his moving melodies. Moreover, he shared an inspiring blend of different flavours with a pop-punk, pop-rock, and alternative-rock combination. The sounds may be a bit eclectic, but the message was always to encapsulate tragedy and triumph within a few minutes of music. So, prepare yourself for an intimate, weighty, immersive sonic experience in Five More.
Opening with a punk flourish, ‘Pulling Me Down’ blasts a powerful mix of crashing drums, soaring guitars, and bold bass through your speakers. Harsh and abrupt, it’s a great introduction to the punk-tinged EP – a sound distinctive to Merit Maker. Yet, despite the similarity of punk is evident in all five songs, diversity takes hold with each song slightly different from its predecessor.
Similar to ‘Pulling Me Down’, ‘So Many Times’ presents the fist-pumping, gut-wrenching, hit-between-the-eyes style. Then again, between these tracks, a slight reprieve is heard inserting pop-punk, alternative rock and pop-rock – all speedy and heart-stopping but giving you a sliver of something less chaotic. For me, ‘Hearts On Display’ is the easiest on the ears with its pop-rock tone softening the tone; its steadier outro being the perfect way to end the EP. Merit Maker shares:
“Compared to previous releases, it’s similar in that it incorporates elements of punk music including pop-punk, skate-punk, alt-rock, hardcore, emo, etc. I personally think that this release however is more refined and just a naturally sounding evolution of the style that this project has focused on from the start.”
The songs themselves are hard-hitting showcasing Merit Maker’s energetic presence and forceful melodies. Even on the single ‘Things We Dismiss’ with its flush of rock, there is a punk rock hyped-up-ness. Interestingly, while the EP itself is a 15-minute package of soul-stirring, intoxicating music, the lyricism adds depth. Merit Maker further explains:
“Lyrically, I feel that it’s deeper, more sophisticated, and mature… I’m trying to share relatable content in these songs that both uplifts and resonates with the audience. Songs are often about conveying emotions and experiences that we all feel and go through.”
The EP itself is an intriguing rush of music, however, there is another element that interests me: the fusion of old and new. A nostalgic breath of 2000s pop-punk, 90s rock and old-school 80s punk, Merit Maker transcends eras with Five More. In addition, the retro vibe is matched by a contemporary edginess appealing to different generations melodically and lyrically.
Find out more about Merit Maker on his website, Bandcamp and Spotify.
Discover more punk music on The Other Side Reviews Punk playlist:
