Merlot Embargo as a band started with a near-fatal car accident. The self-reflection that ensued led them to reach new conclusions about their music. Songwriter duo Scarlet and Geoff bring their vast talents and inspirations to everything they write, something they’ve been doing since their debut album in 2016.
Opening with a pop-tinged but effortlessly early 80s guitar groove. Merlot Embargo’s latest track ‘Alone’ quickly dives into a breezy atmosphere with a steady bounce. The track seems to dive between an array of genres, but always landing at a place of vibrance and vulnerability.
Twangs of ska and reggae alongside a deeply ethereal vocal presence lets the pair sit with uniqueness. The catchy chorus grows from a light vocal to an effortless climax, helped along by a constantly growing range of synths and guitars, movement-filled drums and an intricate production style.
It feels like a new direction for Merlot Embargo, but it does not comprise their emotive foundations or their ability to keep a song in your head long after the first listen.
“We wrote this song during the isolation of the pandemic, but it of course touches on many universal themes; the primary one being just being tired of the solo life and wondering if you’ll ever find your someone. We had a blast making this song, too. Our bass player Jeremy produced it, and you can feel his push for authenticity. We recorded most of the instruments in a single live session, with vocals, and overdubs on some key parts after the fact.”
‘Alone’ is out now…
