MERIT’s debut EP, titled “How Much Nothing Can You Be,” emerges as a true work of art that poses complex questions about the world and self, about the dark and hidden corners of the soul. It prompts reflection while listening to the shifting sound on the “How Much Nothing Can You Be?”. Sometimes light and keyboard-driven, soaring with synthesizers and orchestral arrangements, and at other times plunging into abysses of darkness with deep bass, distorted elements, breath, and teeth clattering. In this debut release, MERIT demonstrated the boldness of an artist who sees the world differently.

photo by @cosa.nona

I might say that listening to “How Much Nothing Can You Be?” is like looking at the world through a prism of dreams. It’s misty, ambiguous, and frightening, yet there’s always a sense of safety. It’s as if the very monster that terrifies you deep inside is actually your pet beast, not a dangerous predator. The duality, ambiguity, and intriguing uncertainty struck me the most, and that’s what I find most disconcerting about this release.

The experimental sound of “How Much Nothing Can You Be?” is a rarity in today’s world where many artists aim for commercial success, afraid to take risks. MERIT, on the other hand, opts for uniqueness. All this reminds me of old-school chaos, when music was something more than just a pursuit of stardom.  “How Much Nothing Can You Be?” is a title that already sounds like a kick in the rear. Dark yet vibrantly sincere melodies merge with rays of light and a pinch of hope. All the tracks on the EP are like the fingers of one hand-each with its own role, but together they form a fist. Take, for example, “In Waves.” The title sounds airy, but in reality, it’s a storm that mixes man with nature, mercilessly rocking you in the rhythm of stylish indie. This is music that beckons you with the soul MERIT pours into the vocals, making even the dark waves seem mesmerizing. This entire release is like life: beautiful and somber at the same time.

Following are “Murderer In The Moonlight” and “I’m Just a Child,” which continue the same wave – symbolism and personal stories meet experiments in sound. “Murderer In The Moonlight” starts like a misty dream, the light pop melodically enticing, but then it plunges into distorted, dark harmonies. It’s like peeking into a world that lies beyond the ordinary, one that you can feel but not always understand. For this track, MERIT produced a music video created by a team of people of diverse gender identities: women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, transgender, and agender individuals. It was showcased at the Berlin Music Video Awards ceremony on June 12, 2024.

photo by @cosa.nona

The track “I’m Just A Child” is a true ethereal masterpiece, like a light acoustic sound caught on the wind. This is where the enigma of MERIT lies: her music balances between somberness and an almost dreamy lightness. The title of the track speaks for itself – it starts a dialogue with the inner child who has grown into a strong and independent personality. This transition from youth to maturity is perfectly highlighted by soft vocals and a deep arrangement with a strong rhythm.

Despite the overall somber tone, the track “Goodbye” features a delicate acoustic sound. MERIT’s vocals dissolve into a haze, while the light guitars and swaying pads create an atmospheric lullaby-like sound. I am utterly delighted with MERIT’s performance, as the voice soars, giving chills. Simply flawless!

“High” is something completely different. Vocals with catchy hooks create a hypnotic state, while distorted harmonies combined with the clattering of teeth and distorted breathing make this track my favorite on the album. “Everybody Cannot Live” stands out with a subtle folk undertone, and each chord seems like a plea, reflecting the helplessness in the face of the world’s destruction and chaos. This track acts like a binder, merging all the other compositions into a cohesive whole, showcasing how profound music can sound. The finale brings us “Collide,” a stylish and rich electronic song that sounds even more textured. This powerful track reflects the preservation of one’s individuality, even when encountering a kindred spirit whose influence is inevitable. The complexity of this process is conveyed through MERIT’s ethereal voice and an arrangement that captures attention until the last beat.

It might seem strange, but listening to MERIT, you may discover that music can evoke such strong and contradictory emotions that it sometimes feels like you’re walking on thin ice over an abyss of your own fears. Would you dare to peer into the darkest corners of your soul and see what can be extracted – something long forgotten or deliberately hidden? The choice is yours. I highly recommend everyone listen to MERIT’s EP “How Much Nothing Can You Be?” to experience her unique vibe. The EP “How Much Nothing Can You Be” is available on all streaming platforms, so make sure to add the tracks to your playlists and keep up with the singer’s new music. It’s going to be brilliant! Don’t be afraid to delve too deep! True art is always a bit mystical, and always leaving room for the unknown.