Meridene

Meridene didn’t reinvent itself on its sophomore release, Something Like Blood, but rather refined and solidified the sharp songwriting and energetic arrangements first displayed on 2008’s You’re Not Pretty, You’re Worse. Though it was a part of the thriving Eau Claire music scene even before pal Justin Vernon (a.k.a. Bon Iver) skyrocketed the profile of that small Northern Wisconsin city, the band unquestionably benefits from the association. But the smart pop and joyous hooks—akin to those of Milwaukee’s Maritime—on display throughout its well-paced new album ensure that Meridene will hold people’s attention all on its own now that it has a foot in the door.

Updated 08/03/2011