You're Not Pretty

    “I think that songwriting-wise, this band really opened me up. I always leaned towards The New Pornographers brand of indie rock, but playing in this setting just brought that out even more,” said lead singer and primary songwriter, Trevor Ives. The band is fleshed out by a number of other ultra-capable musicians, Brandt on keyboards, Eric Rykal (of The Gentle Guest) on guitar, Shane Mclaughlin on bass, and David Power on the drums.

    Meridene also has the distinction of being one of the first bands signed to Amble Down Records, a local label that has gained some national recognition for putting out quality record after quality record. Many Amble Down bands are featured on the website, Virb.com, perhaps most known for featuring another local act, Bon Iver. The decision to stick with Amble Down was a no-brainer.

    “I mean, we were pretty sure from the outset that we were going to release it with Kyle (Frenette, Amble Down’s owner and manager),” said Ives, “Amble Down has just grown so much in terms of knowing how to promote and how to get a record publicity.”

    The future does indeed look bright for Meridene. Immediate plans for the band include a modest, Midwest tour in January followed by a heavy promotion of the new album. It’s something that Ives has looked forward to since Meridene’s inception almost three years ago.

    “I mean, in a dream world I could quit my day job and have music be my life,” said Ives with a sideways smile, “But I’d be content to release another album and just have more people give us a listen, a chance.” If You’re Not Pretty, You’re Worse is any indication of the future, Meridene’s biggest problem may be in deciding what Blu-Ray player they should put in its tour van.

    Meridene CD Release Show. Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7pm. The Grand Little Theater, 102 West Grand Ave., Eau Claire. (715) 832-PLAY. $5.