Tool & Die
page 24
By
Kevin Dean
I am proud to feature Jeff Nelson from the band Merit in this issue. Merit is one of the few female-fronted rock bands
in Central New York. Their newest album, "Arson is for Lovers" is available at http://www.gomeritgo.com FOR FREE!
Download it and share it!
Jeff (and his band Merit) has exactly what it takes to make it to super stardom. I could easily see them landing a song
on a movie soundtrack or TV show. They remind me of cross between No Doubt, Flyleaf, and Coheed and Cambria.
Radio-friendly pop-rock with a dash of punk, ska and emo I suppose. Palatable for the Disney channel yet enough
energy and drive to keep the typical teeny bopper skater-punk wanting more.
Jeff Nelson plays drums with maturity and patience. Strong backbeats and signature setups are carefully placed
throughout Merit's new record. He lays it down with authority and leaves plenty of space for the song to breathe. Don't
be fooled by Mr. Nelson's simplicity. He knows when to spice it up with some slick moves and clever tricks. He sneaks
in enough chops to keep you focused on the rhythm section as he fl oats in and out of those infectious Merit grooves
that make you want to dance.
I transcribed a few examples of Jeff's style below.
"Merit music doesn't really allow for me to "solo" so I try to get a little fl ashy when Brenna's not sing-
ing. Check out the breakdown of "fess up." I'm talking about the part where the `guitars and drums
have a unison groove going on. It was a cool way to build up the part, and fi ll the space." Jeff
"Fess Up"
(1:48)