Though Tampa, Florida’s Merchandise adopt a nearly impossible to pin down sound, rooted in pop, shoegaze, noise rock, and post-punk, their origins actually trace back to the punk and hardcore scene, adding a definite earnestness and aggression, if not directly inflicting what they’ve become, while still maintaining something of a cult following in the punk world. Celebrating their fifth album, A Corpse Wired for Sound, released just last week through 4AD, their first effort recorded in a studio rather than at home, the trio have drifted more definitively into rock territory than ever before, maturing without sacrificing any of the artistry or passion that makes them so special.
Merchandise are set to perform tonight, June 17 at Third Man Records’ Blue Room, for an all ages show along with raucous Brooklyn punks B Boys and locals Soft Option. As we’ve said time and time again, any show in the Blue Room is a worthwhile outing, but this lineup and especially Merchandise are an extraordinary cool option, so grab your tickets and expect to catch one of the best shows of the weekend!
Merchandise, B Boys, and Soft Option will perform tonight, June 17 at Third Man Records. The show is all ages, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $10.