“Little Dave” Merriman, of The Arrivals, played a terrific solo set to kick off the evening. Armed with just his guitar, the set was both fun and tender. That latter adjective because Merriman has written several tunes for his just- turned-one-year-old daughter, including her theme song, “J.E.M.”
“Who’s that girl? / Right over there / What’s her name again? / It’s Josephine / Elisabeth / Merrrriiiiimaaaaan“
In another of the “Jo Songs,” “President of Space,” the proud papa lets his little girl know that the sky’s the limit,
“You don’t have to be the President of Space / But I know you have it in you / You could if you wanted and I think that you’d do great.”
Getting verklempt at a punk show isn’t the most common expectation. However, it happened here and there isn’t really a need to discuss this in a “Coffee Talk” format. Merriman gave a very moving set while standing very still. But this Lullaby punk was neither syrupy nor cloying in the slightest. Just pure sweetness. Such a treat.
Merriman also performed “I’m Going Up Again,” and “You Know,” from his 2014 solo record, “Odd Bird,” on which he wrote all songs and played all instruments.
Merriman is working on a new album, or maybe two.
“I’m going to do another one [solo record] and it will have children’s songs on it. Or I’ll do two separate releases.”
Whichever way he decides to release the new material, Dying Scene will be there for it. I know I will be.