Merz, aka Conrad Lambert is back. It’s not the first time he’s been back – after walking away from huge hype and a major label deal in 1999, disappearing completely, he returned in 2005 with the critically lauded album, Loveheart. His third album, Moi et Mon Camion, is set to produce the same kind of fawning from all corners with its mixture of beautiful balladeering, heartfelt tunes, intricate production and a display of Merz’s multi-instrumental talents.

Since Loveheart was released, Merz has been touring Europe with The Earlies, playing all over the world at festivals as diverse as Green Man, Montreux Jazz festival in Switzerland and SXSW. More acclaim followed in the US, where the track ‘Dangerous Heady Love Scheme’ was iTunes Single of the Week, and ‘Postcard From A Darkstar’ was also Single of the Week with influential LA radio station KCRW.

Conrad was joined by a few notable musicians for this record. Charlie Jones, some time bass player with Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and Goldfrapp helped out, as did Clive Deamer, drummer for Portishead and Roni Size and coincidentally, now drumming with Robert Plant. The Earlies also join Conrad for a guest spot, singing backing vocals on ‘Call Me’, dropping in on their way back from Glastonbury.

Where Loveheart was a more solitary and lonely affair, Moi et Mon Camion puts its arms around Loveheart and says everything’s alright. “That’s the spirit of the record; it contains themes of displacement with detached resignation, humanity and commonality”.

With a new album on the way later this year and Loveheart still receiving plaudits, it seems fitting once more to bring to light the album that catapulted Merz on to the stages of a vibrant UK music scene in 1999. An incredibly diverse debut that contains tracks such as Many Weathers Apart, Engine Heart, Lotus and Blues Became and that stand tall today despite being unavailable for the best part of the millennium.

The record has been remastered, repackaged and remixed, albeit with a few amendments including a slight change to the track listing. The reissued album is also accompanied by a second disc containing previously unheard versions of songs taken from the original recording sessions and various remixes. The highlight’s being the epic version of Blues Became featuring an orchestra and a drum band, recorded on Pink Floyd’s Victorian house boat studio on the Thames and a newly recorded 2006 version of Lovely Daughter

"folk-influenced electronic songs of ghostly yearning ... a vivid talent reawakened" 4/5 Q Recommended
"Lambert's overt talent unfolds through a procession of whimsical ornamentation and dynamic songwriting" 4.5/5 DJ Magazine

Following the self-released 7 inch single called "Many Weathers Apart" in 1999, a fierce battle for his signature by several major record labels, Conrad Lambert aka Merz signed to Sony/Epic and looked set to conquer the world. His music was embraced by the then unreconstructed genre that was English folk, electronica and the fringes of dance. However, major label shenanigans ensured that global domination never ensued for the magical Merz. We think that the time has come to revisit his fantastic debut album and you'll agree especially when you hear the inspired remix by Francois K that can still pull nostalgic heart strings a plenty. In addition to pulling the track from the depths of Sony's tape cupboard, it has also been revisited by the up and coming Alex Metric, Arkham and Dextro to help blow the cobwebs off the original a little.

Since his much hailed return late in 2005 with his acclaimed second album 'Loveheart', Merz hasn’t stopped to let the grass grow under his feet. No siree. The accolades and attention have continued to pour in, from iTunes declaring 'Dangerous Heady Love Scheme' as their Single of the Week in November, Guardian Guide tipping 'Postcard From A Dark Star' as Single of the Week in January, NME gulping that "Merz's laments have acquired a genuine depth" and The Mirror crowing about "transcendentally sweet and dreamy splendour from master crafstman Conrad Lambert".
After his five years in exile, it's all looking very upbeat, indeed for Conrad 'Merz' Lambert. Which brings us happily to Merz’s 'Silver Tree EP'. Featuring two of the most ravishing cuts from the Loveheart album, 'Verily' and 'Warm Cigarette Room', there is also a lush live version of 'Dangerous Heady Love Scheme' and a remix of the acclaimed track 'Postcard From A Dark Star' by Arkham.

"An album of rare musical intelligence." The Daily Telegraph

"Eerie & hypnotic with exquisite melodies & evocative arrangements, this is a treasure chest of emotion." The Guardian

"It's gentle power envelops the listener like a blanket." The Independent

"An album that will keep you thinking long after the final notes have faded." The Sun

"A master of modern folk." i-D Magazine

"Merz sounds like nobody else in the world and the world would be alright if it listened to nobody else. We absolutely love him" Chris Martin, Coldplay