Merle Morris began life as Big Jim. It was under this moniker than the Sydney group won street press the brag’s demo competition. After finding out there were other groups similarly named, Merle Morris was born.

Whilst live the songs of mastermind George are accompanied by electro whizkid Scott Herbert from theHEAD on a variety of sounds, the trio’s debut I Like It is based on George’s contributions backed with the drums of former Mr. Bungle member Danny Heifetz. The song “Frost Freeze” still references the Big Jim moniker, all wrapped inside a riddle of supermarket shelve stocking boredom.

What’s so clever about Merle Morris is the combination of sounds – album opener “Yippee” is fun, but it’s the melodics found of “Where Do We Go” that are immediately appealing. One of the big differences between Merle Morris and several other Sydney contemporaries combining electronic augmentation with organic sounds is that these guys know that melody is the key; the songs benefit immeasurably as a result.

“Car 28” is a grimy little punk-inspired number, and what’s most interesting about I Like It is the way it flits around styles. Full of ideas, from the instrumental beauty of “Exodus” to the simple pop dream of “If Danny Was A” to the energetic “Mr Shit”, this is the sort of album that can’t help but fascinate sonic enthusiasts. The sample-delic “Wax On” closes it out in a mash of noises. I Like It manages to be both surprising and engaging all at once.