American Classic
Aagoo, 2023
8/10
A Washington native who now calls Los Angeles home, this is Nicholas Merz’s 3rd album, and it focuses on strong lyrical matter that pays tribute to his father, a former union tile-setter and pedal steel player.
“The Dixon Deal” starts the listen with Merz’s deep pipes amid the light bass and spirited brass of the calm climate, and “Hate, Unbridled” exits with a dreamy demeanor that welcomes warm guitar and plenty of stirring atmosphere.
In the middle, “Instant Legacy” recruits a cultured appeal of cautious strings and a very mysterious backdrop, while “A Day In LA” showcases the expressive singing alongside a much thicker display of avant-garde ideas.
Nearing the end, “Two Comedians” uses drums strategically for the squealing, adventurous rock, and “Young Man, Short In Stature” exits with Merz’s powerful voice, the cozy acoustic guitar and a nearly spiritual presence that glows with creativity.
A truly unclassifiable listen, Merz touches on pop, rock, jazz, country and experimental nods, and it sure does make for a charming listen.
Travels well with: Paul Dutton- Parallel Spark; Beingmoved- Smiles And Bigger Hearts