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The
Merzhin band is: E-mail |
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Distribution/Pomotion Tour Management
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The musicians of Merzhin are about to celebrate ten years of a splendid and impressive musical career together. Endurance, humbleness, hard work and great joy have been the key elements to their quest for success. But nothing would have been possible without a loyal audience. The band carved its own identity from playing live. Released in 1999, Merzhin’s first 5-track CD «1ère Lune» (First Moon), caused quite a fuss in their hometown of Landerneau. One year later, the first album «Pleine Lune» (Full Moon) proved their early fans right. «Adrenalin», released in 2002, allowed them to join the circle of bands from Brittany able to pack every venue they play. Today, Merzhin doesn’t show a different face but sounds richer than ever, swollen with all the influences and experiences typical of most enduring musicians’ life. With «Pieds Nus Sur La Braise» (Bare feet on live embers), Merzhin sails at ease from one music style to another: rock and celtic influences are still the main ones, but «La Rue Calumet», for instance, sounds like it’s coming from Eastern Europe. The live experiences have boosted and urged the band to explore new territories, among them a harder and darker type of rock («Des Filons Dans Nos Failles»). The lyrics are also more political («Pavillons Kamikazes»), proving that Merzhin is taking a critical look at the world around («La Cour Des Grands», «Souriez»). |
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In «Pieds Nus Sur La Braise», the guitars are sharp, and Ludo’s bombarde has sometimes been replaced by a saxophone or a clarinet. Tongue-in-cheek humour still lies in the lyrics but instincts have grown up. Once digested, the influences from Brittany are responsible for a new impulse, energic but properly channeled. Merzhin has won his bet to move ahead. These musicians have refused to be trapped in the celtic rock they began with. This new offering is more rock than ever and proves they’ve been able to widen their horizons. Once festive, their style his now stronger and striking. And yes, they can seriously rock! But Merzhin does not think walking with «bare feet on ember» is enough. The band from Brittany shows it all here: needs, struggles, expectations and most of all, its true self. |
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After its creation in 1996 and thanks to hundreds of concerts and three albums released recently, Merzhin has transcended the standard modes by offering music that though based on the Breton style, is predominantly characterized as being original rock music. Their latest compositions are beyond doubt proof of the wealth of sound that the group can create. Moreover, the sense of permutation and the brilliant verses provide remarkable cohesion to their new album. Some would define this as coming of age, but «Pieds nus sur la braise» presents Merzhin just as they are. Beyond all hackneyed clichés and opportunism, Merzhin continues to show its Breton identity thanks to impeccable technique used for rich and completely contemporary music. If success has been achieved with the first and the second album, Merzhin unquestionably uses all its skills on stage and this is proved through their performances of great repute. Over time, the energy that is palpable during these intense public performances reveals a bond that has grown increasingly strong. |
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Widening its musical horizon, Merzhin has found
its way and asserts its independence proving wrong everyone who’s
been trying to pin the band down. The six members of Merzhin
have asked producer Matthieu Ballet (Miossec,
Yann Tiersen) to help them craft their new sound.
Listening
to this third album will leave you still and confident. But because
Merzhin is at its best in concert, your next step
will be to catch the band at some venue near you, and experience
these 13 new burning tracks live, as soon as you can.