San Fran Voice

Most bands get started slowly.  They form, they play with each other when they can, and if most bands that exist are like most of the new bands that I know, they spend more of that initial “together time” drinking and talking about making music than they do actually making music.  But Merch does not appear to be like “most bands” in that respect.  This young San Francisco band formed and immediately started playing.  You can check out their MySpace “about us” info to find out just where in this city they’ve already played, but I can tell you before you follow that link that it’s a long list.  These folks are committed to making their music their life.

So what can I tell you about that music?  Well, have you ever heard the term cello-rock?  If not, check out the Wikipedia definition because it gives you more of the basics than I can, but then come back here, because Merch is more than cello rock.  The band takes cello rock and then adds in a bit of pop flavor that’s got an almost European club feel to it.  Go back to the Myspace, listen to “Water Balloon Bomb” and listen to the poppy ba ba ba and you’ll know what I mean.  But listen to the rest of that song and you hear that clashing of sounds that spells out experimental.

Hm, I’m not describing this very well, am I?  Oh, wait, I’ve got it …  Cello Rock is hanging out at a super trendy art gallery opening, eyeing the new works by the latest avante garde artist.  He spies Indie Rock blowing bubbles with the watermelon-flavored gum that’s the same color as her bangs.  With a sophisticated air, he swoops down on her and says, “hey baby, I’ve got a jet, want to go have dinner in London?”  She responds, “shouldn’t you get my name first?”  And he says, coolly, “let’s jump right in, I already know that we’re going all the way”.  After a multi-instrumental course of entrees in London, they hit the nightclubs and infuse their affair with pop edge.  It’s only the beginning of what they’re going to create in the space between them.

Yes, that’s Merch.  If you don’t know what I just said, let the music speak for itself.  And since the band isn’t shy about getting out and playing as much as possible, you can catch them live on April 9 at Bottom of the Hill, where they’re playing an all ages show (with Little Teeth and Pidgeon) that only costs $8 to see.  Other shows this month are in Oakland, San Jose and Reno … and after that, who knows, maybe London?