Merce Lemon
Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild
Darling Recordings [2024]
“Experience the raw power of Merce Lemon in Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild—an intimate exploration of sound and spirit.”
Album Overview: Merce Lemon is a Pittsburgh-based artist whose musical journey has been shaped by the community and culture of her hometown. Growing up in a creative family and surrounded by a supportive music scene, Merce has been part of local shows for years, often performing with her parents’ friends and, at times, alongside her father and his peers. The bonds of Pittsburgh’s art community have always been an integral aspect of her work, emphasizing connection and collective spirit. After the release of her 2020 album Moonth, Merce took time to reassess her artistic direction during a period of personal reflection and reconnection with nature. This period allowed her creative instincts to evolve, leading to her latest release, Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild. The record draws inspiration from Merce’s experience of reconnecting with the natural world, building on themes of transformation and incorporating vivid imagery from both nature and city life. The closing track of the album embodies Merce’s contemplation of the unknown, supported by a collaboration with Spencer Smith, who contributed the initial musical framework.
Musical Style: The musical style of Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild is rooted in folk and indie rock influences, integrating acoustic elements with moments of electric intensity. The record moves fluidly between stripped-down ballads and distorted riffs, blending harmonies with wailing guitar lines. Lemon’s voice has the gritty intensity of Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman but also the subtlety of Joni Mitchell. These contrasting styles mirror the album’s themes, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The instrumentation often complements the lyrical narratives, with excellent use of pedal steel that enhances both the contemplative and high-energy aspects of the record, making it Merce’s best release to date.
Evolution of Sound: Since her previous work on Moonth, Merce’s sound has expanded to include a more pronounced mixture of raw acoustic and electric elements. Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild showcases a shift towards a richer and more complex sound, influenced by a period of introspection and new connections with nature. While her earlier work had a more straightforward folk orientation, this album experiments with dissonance and blends both delicate and powerful arrangements. The album also reflects a deepened relationship with her community, building on her collaborative spirit and showcasing a more confident sonic presence.
Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners may find similarities to artists such as Big Thief, Lucy Dacus, Waxahatchee, Hand Habits, Sharon Van Etten, Joni Mitchell, MJ Lenderman, and Horse Jumper of Love. Each of these artists shares an affinity for blending folk-inspired songwriting with moments of intensity, driven by both electric and acoustic arrangements.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks from Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild include “Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild” / “Backyard Lover” / “Foolish and Fast.” The title track closes the album with an introspective feel, highlighting Merce’s personal reflections on the future. “Backyard Lover” stands out for its evolving mood, shifting from nostalgic memory to a burst of raw emotion—particularly near the end, where she exclaims, “’Cause nothing’s good enough, you fucking liar, you fucking liar.” “Foolish and Fast” showcases Merce’s swaying swagger, holding your attention with every pulsing line as the guitar continually builds to match Lemon’s increasingly intense vocals.
Lyrical Strength: Merce’s lyrics on Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild revolve around themes of nature, community, loss, and resilience. Her writing draws on personal experiences, conveying a deep connection to the environment and reflecting on relationships and mortality. Through her lyrics, Merce paints vivid images of her surroundings, using them to mirror her inner landscape. Her ability to juxtapose moments of hope with those of uncertainty allows the listener to experience the complexities of her emotional world, always tethered to the landscapes she holds dear.
MERCE LEMON LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Darling Recordings
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