A worthy addition to the reissue inundation of 2007 comes in the shape of an album from the Denver-based death rockers, Soul Merchants, an ephemeral group to say the least that lasted a mere two years in the mid-eighties before splitting up. That said, Soul Merchants packed as much in those two years as some artists do in a decade and with a popular sound, covers of other material and numerous appearances on compilations here and there, to most people in the know the name Soul Merchants comes with more then a nod of respect This new release then allows fans both young and old to become acquainted or reacquainted with a choice selection from the old school Goth rock outfit.
Setting the mood immediately with ‘Joanna’ Soul Merchants establish a hallmark sound with haunting vocals layered over catchy alt pop guitar compositions (a la The Cure & Siouxsie & The Banshees), conjuring precisely the sound of the decade during which the band was operating.
‘Beating Heart’ meanwhile, resembling its namesake through the wonderful drum rhythm, allows a more prominent darkwave element to emerge, the composition becoming more minimalist and brooding while the vocals are wispier and off kilter.
For a The Birthday Party replacement look to ‘Attic’ with the odd mix of harpsichord and Americana style guitar composition wrapped neatly around a vocal talent that is one part Nick Cave, one part Ian Curtis.
‘Armored Factions’ provides a little avant-garde oddity too, with a post punk sentiment in composition and lyrics that are spoken abrasively to the music as opposed to sung, making for a memorable track half way through the album, leading effortlessly into ‘Cold Dark Bed’ that mixes the post punk sound of The Birthday Party once more with a strong darkwave outlook, incorporating a gritty rock and roll aesthetic musically also, highlighting the various styles that influenced the group and helped highlight their virtuoso talents.
For a slower and grimier track, ‘Love’ does the trick, with a surreal and ear piercing harpsichord melody mixed with moaning vocals and a slow Psychobilly guitar sound, making for a track that stands out both within the album and in the death rock scene in general, regardless of its age.
‘Valentines Day’ picks up the death rock mantle confidently too, producing a whirring synthesizer sound prominent over the guitar and drums while the vocals are shouted out in the background, that and the odd breaks for some OTT horror movie style laughter makes ‘Valentines Day’ a most unforgettable track.
Since their break up front man Bob Ferbrache has gone on to do some great things with groups as wide ranging as 16 Horsepower and Slim Cessna's Auto Club to producing for NON (alias Boyd Rice) and writing a hell of a lot of music for Blood Axis. Suffice to say the man’s got talent and to hear some of that talent’s first utterances within Soul Merchants’ early releases is an opportunity not to be missed.
