There’s a concept that’s often discussed in philosophy, science and art called emergence. It’s the idea that when simple things work in conjunction with each other, a more complex property arises. Merk’s bedroom pop is the perfect illustration. Crafted with uncomplicated lyrics and stripped-back synth-driven melodies, all tied together with a warm homespun production, Infinite Youth ends up amounting to something quite profound. This is best highlighted by Laps Around The Sun which alluringly transforms everyday events into something much more existential. “This song is about finding poetry in the mundane, repetitiveness of life. It was written on my birthday, which is also Valentine’s Day. Whether you are waiting for the weekend or celebrating another lap around the sun, or falling in and out of love or doing the dishes there’s beauty to be found in the never-ending repetitions and rhythms of life.” Lyrics centred around the passing of time run through this album like the words in a stick of rock. The 26-year-old often ponders that grey area between adolescence and adulthood, reflecting on all the chaos and clarity that comes with growing up. And as the Auckland native matures, so does his creative output. His two most musically-advanced tracks come at the end of the album. But She Loves You opens on gentle piano chords and Merk’s heartbroken vocals, expanding with feather-light drumming, sweeping strings and a slick baseline before bursting into colour with a driving dance beat. The track sees him channel all his influences, marrying the sunny disco flourishes of ABBA and The Beach Boys to the soft atmospheres found in 20th century Japanese City Pop. The curtain closes with the dreamy 6-minute song Infinite Youth. Both wistful about his younger years and hungry for life ahead of him, Merk leaves you feeling nostalgic for the present. An utterly entrancing record. © Abi Church/Qobuz