Music for after the end (of early 4AD). Merchandise have evolved from their early origins churning out song after song of gritty, in-your-face garage rock to crafting the gloriously outsized, guitar-driven melodies on After the End. They’re signed to 4AD and the label’s original ’80s post-punk and new wave left a clear imprint on this record. After the End takes the soaring synths and sense of grandiose hope and melancholy that characterized early 4AD to new heights with genuine lyrical poetry, vocalist Carson Cox’s emotive vocals, and the brilliant guitar lines of lead guitarist David Vassalotti. Highly recommended.

RIYL Modern English, Love and Rockets, Brandon Flowers, early Future Islands
Favorites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10
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1. (2:47) * Corridor—Dreamy, slow instrumental intro. Acoustic guitar and a background synth wash. Picks up the pace in the last minute.
2. (4:30) ** Enemy—Uptempo, catchy, guitar-driven rocker. Brandon Flowers meets 4AD. Sweet bassline comes in at 2:07. Insane, blistering guitar passage from 2:40-3:12.
3. (4:59) *** True Monument—Slow and brooding. Most emotive vocal delivery on the record. Contemplative electric guitar that suffers and strains so patiently and beautifully. “By way of protest and backwards passion / I sought to grab and to hold on / to what I thought was the truth in the frigid grip of vanity / Where has it gone?”
4. (4:29) *** Green Lady—Grand. Crescendoes at just the right moments, signaled by thudding, faster drums. Constant, rainbow synths throughout. “Patience left you in the ocean / reason lost you out at sea.”
5. (4:56) Life Outside the Mirror—Sprawling, atmospheric acoustic guitar and heavy reverb. Melancholic, pained vocals.
6. (4:05) Telephone—Fun pop song featuring guitars with bravado.
7. (3:05) ** Little Killer—Uptempo, dancey, anthemic. Very very very guitar-driven. Positively technicolor, killer guitar riffs throughout.
8. (4:01) Looking Glass Waltz—Similar to “Life Outside the Mirror”. Languorous vocals as well as some soft background “oooo”s at times. Acoustic guitar, synth, and harmonium.
9. (6:55) *** After the End—One word: epic. First half is plodding and restless, with panicked, uneasy piano. Reaches the first climax of the journey at 3:20 and then brings in more guitar. Some quietness before the second climax at 4:47. Ascending, floating guitars in last 1.5 minutes. What a song!
10. (4:34) * Exile and Ego—Great closer. Fragile acoustic guitars and synths. Vocals at the forefront. Lyrics deal with some intriguing dualisms.