It was this time last year when I first discovered the indie pop sensation that is Chris Greig and The Merchants and since then they’ve undoubtedly been one of my favourite Scottish bands!
Over the last 12 months, the boys have contributed a lot to the Scottish music scene with a handful of festival appearances, headlining the legendary King Tuts and the release of their E.P, Lipstick.
Last month, the band released their latest single, ‘Shy’ and the general reaction from fans, promoters and bloggers is a clear indication that the band are just going to get bigger and bigger.
Chris Greig and The Merchants have this incredible songwriting ability where they grip listeners in with the first couple of chords of their music and ‘Shy’ is no exception.
Instantly the quirky guitar riffs create the classic upbeat, feel-good Intro that all Chris Greig and The Merchant’s songs inevitably master. It’s the type of song that once you hear it once, you’ll need to play it again and again.
Although the band has some influences from the likes of The 1975, Blossoms and Sea Girls, you will not have heard anything like ‘Shy’ within the Scottish music scene.
The influence behind the lyrics focuses on social anxiety: ‘Feeling alone in a crowded room, don’t know what to do, running away, temptation too, too much for you, it’s been too long since you’ve been you, don’t know what to do, don’t know what to do.’ It’s written from an outsider’s perspective who sees someone else struggling with daily social interactions and wanting to be there for them.
So many people nowadays suffer with anxiety and for me ‘Shy’ beautifully conveys the idea that no matter what you are going through, there will always be someone there who will be there for you.
It’s songs like ‘Shy‘ that make you really appreciate the power of music.
CHECK OUT THE BAND BELOW NOW ….
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CGMerchants/
Twitter: @CGMerchants
Instagram: @cgmerchants
The Music Files 