A frantic slice of pop-punk races through Merit Maker’s breakneck “5 More.” The EP is aptly named for its five tracks, each of which does not overstay its welcome. Everything here is blaringly loud and demands to be played loud. Vocals scream over the din, and the din itself is formidable. Nods to the early aughts, that high point of emo, is felt throughout. Lyrics have a pained expressive stance, almost defiant. Even the track titles pay homage to that early emo era.
https://meritmaker.bandcamp.com/album/five-more
Drums blast the entire “Pulling Me Down,” bringing the song’s punk roots to the forefront. They go for this big, massive, overblown sound, letting it crush the listener into submission as the song strives for a riotous, explosive nature. Guitars are woven together with the surprisingly intricate “Really That Hard.” A sense of urgency underpins “Things We Dismiss” as the song zooms past in a blur. For all the extreme rush of the piece, a genuine wistfulness takes hold of the work, allowing this pining devotion that lets the song feel sensitive even with the unbelievable energy levels that pour out. “So Many Times” lets loose, ultimately allowing nothing to hold it back. With “Hearts On Display,” they end things grandly, summarizing everything that came before it in a way that feels downright cathartic.
“5 More” features the incredible energy that Merit Maker possesses in spades, with extreme catchiness and their heart worn proudly on their sleeve.
