About the band
Mertens Folly. A passion project born from three generations love for music….
Mertens Folly is an Indie Rock band hailing from New Jersey, blending pop, punk, rock, and singer-songwriter vibes in their music. With a focus on meaningful lyrics that are introspective and emotionally charged, the band collaborates on writing about love, life, and loss, chronicling their experiences of ups and downs and shaping their perspectives. The lyrics of Mertens Folly are biographical and universal, using poetic language to paint their stories of falling in love, suffering losses, and exploring the more intimate and rewarding experience of family life. The blend of various musical styles on one album lead listeners from crunchy guitars and heavy drums full of high-energy, angsty vocals to soothing acoustic love songs, powered by ear-catching hooks and rock solid harmonies, Mertens Folly blends rock, pop, punk, and alternative styles into their first release, offering a broad taste of music that tracks their inspiration and influences.
Background
Founded by Tom in a small beach community in New Jersey, he soon began writing original music with his family that would become the basis for Mertens Folly. Tom and his nephew Niko, co-write the music while switching off between guitar, bass and vocals while Tom's son, John, rounds out the band on drums and some additional bass lines to the album. What started as a whim to learn lullabies for his son on the guitar has evolved into a familial expression of musical creativity.
In October 2022, Mertens Folly launched their debut album, "I Just Wanna Learn a Lullaby." The songs were written and recorded as the drummer was growing up over more than a ten year span, the tracks mimic life's critical moments from marriage and birth and to finding a greater meaning in life and exploring loss. The unique styles and expression across the album change and evolve as Mertens Folly was literally and figuratively growing up.
With a world class team supporting the “Lullaby” project Mertens Folly has taken their inspiring lyrics and scores up to a whole new level with producers Michael Salerno (Gemini Syndrome) and David Walker (Posterity Studios) added flavors that blend hard rock with gospel harmonies. Mixed by grammy nominated Justin Cortelyou (Paul Mcartney, Alice Cooper, Taylor Swift, U2, Lady Gaga) and mastered at multi-grammy winning Sterling Sound Mertens.
Their work is an expression of their love for music, not written for fame or fortune, the album shines as a lasting testament to their experience growing as musicians, songwriters, and a family. Proceeds from the album are donated to a charity that teaches financial literacy to high school kids… so listen, like and spread the word… you get to hear some great music and support a great cause.
“Addictive melodies, magnetic songs and superb musicianship. One thing is for sure, ‘I Just Wanna Learn A Lullaby’ is a release that you do not want to miss!”
“Mertens Folly’s debut album, I Just Wanna Learn a Lullaby encompasses sharp arrangements, sticky hooks, and a wide range of energy levels that every listener can connect with.”
“Mertens Folly is a mix between west-coast pogo punk and late nineties-alternative rock...its very powerful stuff.
Lyrical metaphors transport the emotions through the music. Very solid. I can easily imagine a sweating crowd going wild.”
“It’s got a soupçon of Eagles of Death Metal. I Like it!”
“Lullaby is a mix of Soundgarden with melodic moments, Bad Religion with a punk vibe, and a clear Green Day influence with a cool beach vibe. FUCKING AWESOME!”
“Lullaby is a mix of Soundgarden with melodic moments, Bad Religion with a punk vibe, and a clear Green Day influence with a cool beach vibe. FUCKING AWESOME!”
“Vibrant electric guitar soundscape and rolling drums, dimensionality and situational lyricism... our curiosity is piqued by the descriptions of their muse. The poetic prowess and authenticity that Mertens Folly share is tangible, and we love the nostalgic elements of the sound, fused with a contemporary sound design and mix.”
“The compositional style is striking, Classic, Prog and Alt Rock with a modern rock/punk vibe. We find ourselves in front of eclectic and talented musicians. “Lipstick” pushes from the first to the last second and the melody stays in the head for a long time after listening”