Gig Review: Merk @ Cassette 9, Auckland – 15/05/2021

Merk is Mark Perkins and he played alongside four accompanying musicians for this his first headline tour, celebrating the recent release of his second album Infinite Youth.

The first date of his tour was at Auckland’s Cassette 9, nestled above Vulcan Lane on a busy Saturday night. The sold out venue hosted a beered-up crowd who were welcomed by Merk, and he chatted with the crowd throughout the night.

Merk brings both wonderful musicianship and an affable frontman presence. His arrangements, lyrics and influences seem to flow into an original (mostly) upbeat delicate indie genre which is familiar and yet compelling listening.

My favourite tracks of the night were My Love, Laps Around The Sun and Happiness. The latter includes the lyrics “all my friends are sadder than they were last year”, and I think there was a little nod across the audience to that sentiment. I enjoyed the banter including referring to COVID as the ‘c word’ and an ever so slightly sultry striptease, with jackets being removed in synchrony. Also, when someone called out “you’re awesome”, Merk called back “you’re awesome too”… nice, eh?

Merk’s performance was authentic and captivating - just excellent music. I’m so glad you’re here Merk, and not wandering the globe, not just yet anyway.