New Review of "City Makes No Sound" from the U.K.

[merchy]

This CD review comes from Terrascope Magazine published in the United
Kingdom:

To conclude, it's time for Jeff Merchant to present us with his second
solo album, "City Makes No Sound." Merchant specialises in large scale
orchestrated pop/rock, merging strings and massed voices with more
modern sounds, not to mention the production skills of musical partner
Michael Rozon. This hour long, fifteen track spectacular brings to
mind works by Brian Wilson, The High Llamas and Midlake - and there
are even hints of Steely Dan too. Opening with strings and sumptuous
voices beneath Merchant's Donovanesque voice, the melodies are strong,
the sound rich. Taking as its theme stories from a city (not defined,
but I'm guessing LA), the first clutch of tracks hint at Wilson
territory, whilst remaining original and captivating. The mood changes
a little at "Joyride" with its melancholy sound and wistful piano,
while "Love Yourself Away" has a particularly good tune and a great
'sixties vibe - a single for sure! "Where's Phillip" is a waltztime
stunner with glorious female vocals, "Disturbance Call" is lyrically
dark, while "Children Of Light" has a light Americana feel. There are
hints of Scritti Politti's Green Gartside in the vocal style of the
latter tracks, especially "Na-Na 99c Store". Album closer "The End
Song" wraps it all up with frogs, softly strummed acoustic guitar and
a half whispered vocal. An outstanding album, and one for repeated
listening. Very highly recommended. (Stephen Palmer)


http://www.terrascope.co.uk/reviews/Rumbles_September09.htm


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
http://www.jeffmerchantmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/jeffmerchantmusic
"City Makes No Sound" CD Now Available!