London 2004 the band put out their first album ( All Doncaster Kabadi Champion), an EP and a single (Sweet Soul Unwind) on their own Kazoo label, and after returning to France these all rapidly sold out as fans snap them up at gigs. Mauritian born multi-instrumentalist Didier Kwo joins the band at the end of the year, bringing his amazing technical skill to a band whose songwriting was rapidly maturing and expanding.
All over France 2005 another new band member Corsican Vince Foissard and a furious tour regime of 300 gigs in one year hones the Merla sound into a bluesy, groove-ridin' monster that conjures up the best moments of Gomez or Beck whilst retaining its own individuality and fierce independence.
2006 and onwards Nick sums up 'Its not as if we turned our backs on the UK, its just that the scene out in France is really so vibrant and the atmosphere has bred the creativity in us that Doncaster just couldn't quite match. The Mediterranean lifestyle beats a rainy day in north London anytime. Were happy here but we want to get back to the UK as the music industry is still centred there.'
International Stars Local Heroes Back to the UK with a bang! After a show-stealing performance at London's Islington Academy, Merla top the UK 'Local Heroes' search for the year's potential breakthrough festival act and perform at various summer festivals in 2006 sharing the stage with artists such as Gomez, De La Soul, Badly Drawn Boy, Lilly Allen, The Levellers, Baby shambles and James Morrison.2007 has been a year of writing and recording so far and the result is the brand new album "Song in a Suitcase" released in November. The album features the trademark Merla sound but with fresh ideas and instrumentation, some say its their best work so far..And for only 5 pounds, it would be silly not to find out!I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
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