Merlot Embargo’s journey began with a harrowing car accident near San Antonio, Texas. Though it destroyed their car, Scarlet and Geoff were miraculously left nearly unscathed, given only a sense of deep self-reflection that would go on to spark their creativity. The duo, an army brat singer-songwriter and native Californian music school nerd and engineer by day, take a contrasting but complementary approach to music, surmising their life experiences with easy. Earning press acclaim and audiences across Southern California, Merlot Embargo offers solace to fans and critics alike.
Merlot Embargo has unveiled their latest single ‘All Wrong’, filled with emotive lyricism and plucky, upbeat movement for a glowing balance of folk and pop. The lead vocals tell a story of self-doubt and confusion with the world around her, the narrative trying to understand where best to move next, delivered with a heartfelt performance, occasionally pulled up with gentle harmonies, as if an extra voice is coaching them through their introspection. Instrumentally, the subtle organ chords, delicate piano melodies and balance of acoustic guitar and drums drive the track forward, creating a forest of shimmering music, a bright and breezy joy around the sombre lyricism.
The band share an insight into the track, “All Wrong is about trying to fit in but feeling like you’re just not fooling anyone. It uses the acting analogy, with the idea of playing to an audience, poorly. But this feeling of masking is so universal; this is just one angle. There are ideas of ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence and trying to sort of fake your way to being “normal”; there are nights with jokes and sets that just don’t land for the comedian.
There’s also the idea that we don’t let people see who we really are. Fear of allowing our faults to be seen is something we all feel.”