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    Decapolis June 2005/Meryll
    Meryll — You've Got Cousins cover

    Meryll

    You've Got Cousins

    (2005)

    Reviewed by John Durkee

    DiscogsBandcampApple Music
    Label Esotype RecordsDecapolisJune 2005
    electronicindie pop

    Meryll's music is made up of a combination of electronic and acoustic percussion. They mix this sound with a sort of John Mayer-ish folk/pop acoustic sound and an organ here and there. Meryll's bio says, "We make our own home-made samples by dropping skateboards on linoleum floors, locking doors, and dropping spoons on desks." That sort of creativity is shown in the album, though that's about the best I can say about it.

    Every song on this album is more or less forgettable. It's enjoyable at times, but I doubt I'll ever look through my CD collection one day see You've Got Cousins and think, "Hey, wow, that's a good CD to listen to now," because it simply lacks any real quality. The vocals on the album are quite bad as the singer rarely finds the right pitch or key to the song. If I saw them live, I could be a little more merciful about this, but in recording, one has the opportunity to re-do the vocal tracks until they are right. If these vocals are the best the singer can do, I'd suggest he not quit his day job or for Meryll to switch lead singers.

    1.5/4

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    Also in Decapolis June 2005

    2005Culture ClubGreatest Hits2005Stars Are Falling / SkylinesBlood & Ink Split Series Vol. 12005ForeknownCalm Seas Don't Make Sailors2005Vox VermillionStanding Still You Move Forward2005Blue MondayRewritten2005The ChoirO How the Mighty Have Fallen