Merchandise

The group formed in 2008 in Tampa, Florida and gained popularity around 2012 with LP “Children of Desire.” It’s difficult to categorize Merchandise’s sound as they have been grouped under alternative rock, post-punk, and shoe gaze. Their songs sometimes sound like pure rock, but then turn into something discordant with the addition of a funky chord or unexpected progression.
The lead singer Carson Cox is a Leonardo Di Caprio circa 1990’s lookalike with his side swept bangs and cuffed shirtsleeves. He murmurs the lyrics into the microphone nonchalantly while simultaneously playing guitar. “Shoe gaze” describes the scene perfectly, as all members of the band concentrate on playing their instruments rather than engaging with the audience.
“Become Who You Are” is a chill song and appropriate for background music at a summer BBQ. Lyrics like “The music started/I realized it was all a lie/The guitars were ringing out/last year’s punk” capture the band’s goal to distinguish their own sound amongst the punk rock genre. Merchandise’s newest album “After The End” came out this past August 2014 with an overall more upbeat sound. Seems like they have had success with the album, since songs like “Telephone” and “Little Killer” even have official videos.