Secret Meeting score: 71

by Phil Scarisbrick

Although she was born in Frankfurt, Alice Merton’s family spent the majority of her youth following her mining consultant father travelling around the world. Spending time in Munich, Ontario, Conneticut, New York, Bournemouth, London and Berlin amongst other cities, she seemingly didn’t a have a place called home. This disconnect informed her 2018 EP, No Roots, with its title track now featuring on her debut full-length album: Mint.

The record is a whirlwind of synth-pop, disco and rock music as Merton offers up a tight debut that offers much to its listener. Painstakingly recorded over three years, the record shifts between genres, but maintains an energy that oozes passion. Learn to Live‘s angular, staccato guitars give way to a hook-drenched chorus, with a back beat that will induce many a listener to move The danceable beats continue into 2 Kids, this time utilising an XX-esque guitar line.

No Roots’ online success dates back to 2016, but now released in the context of an album it really shines. Everything about this song is infectiously catchy: the drums will get your toes tapping while the bass, guitar and vocals offer more hooks than a fishing tackle shop!

Another track that featured on the aforementioned EP, Lash Out, follows a similar format to the other songs on the record. This could make the album seem a bit formulaic, but the abundance of melody does a good job of making you ignore this.

Album closer, Why So Serious, is hugely powerful, and has a chorus that maybe flirts too closely with the bubblegum pop Merton has avoided throughout the record. It is an emotive end to an album that offers a lot, and for the most part delivers. While not perfect, it is utterly endearing and showcases Merton’s talents in a way that will make you excited to hear what she does next.

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