Merge Records shares videos, photos from Merge 25

Photo by Kevin Norris

The Merge 25 Festival in Carrboro was easily one of the highlights of the year in the Triangle this past summer, and now the the label has shared a bunch of photos and videos from the four-day festival for folks to enjoy.

Head HERE to check out tons of media and you can even stream the videos via the embedded players below.

And in case you missed any of our coverage of the festival earlier this year you can check out tons of photos and reviews HERE.

Merge 25 Night 2: Reigning Sound, Superchunk

All photos by Kevin Norris

The Reigning Sound were the penultimate band to hit the Cradle stage on night two of Merge 25 and even though they had a set plagued with technical issues, mostly revolving around Greg Cartwright's guitar, they still rock and rolled.

The band opened with "North Cackalacky Girl" from their new album Shattered. They also played "Never Coming Home" and "Falling Rain" the album. They also played an awesome version of "Stop and Think It Over" from Cartwright's old band Compulsive Gamblers. The band sounded great even if Cartwright did say at one point during the set, "Seriously, we're a pretty good band. Check us out next time."

Album Review: Reigning Sound - Shattered

Reigning Sound’s first full-length record in five years continues Greg Cartwright’s recent upward trajectory. While Cartwright’s and The Oblivions return with Desperation last year was solid, Shattered is a breath of fresh air that stands out from the crowd.

These 11 songs shift effortlessly between garage, soul, R&B, country, and pop. Cartwright’s songwriting is incredibly melodic and endlessly singable. There’s a song on Shattered for just about everyone. If something doesn’t catch your ear, you might want to call the audiologist and get checked out.

Reigning Sound return in July with 'Shattered'

Just in time for the Merge 25 Festival in Carrboro in July, Asheville garage rock 'n rollers Reigning Sound will return with their first new album in five years.

The album, recorded at Daptone's studio in Brooklyn, is titled Shattered and will be released by Merge Records on July 15. Check out the title track from the album below.

Just over a week after releasing the new album, Reigning Sound will be in town to celebrate Merge's 25th anniversary. The band will play the Cat's Cradle on Thursday, July 24, with Superchunk, The Rock*A*Teens, The Clientele, Telekinesis, Eleanor Friedberger, Amor de Días and Hiss Golden Messenger. Tickets for that night's show are still available via Ticketfly for $49.

Merge Records announces full Merge 25 Festival lineup

Merge Records has just unveiled the full lineup for its four-day 25th anniversary bonanza in Carrboro and Durham, adding some big acts to the already stellar bunch that was previously released.

The newly announced performers are Mount Moriah, William Tyler, Reigning Sound, Telekinesis, Eleanor Friedberger, Amor de Días, Hiss Golden Messenger (the newest addition to the Merge family), David Kilgour and the Heavy 8s, Imperial Teen, Hospitality, Saint Rich, Vertical Scratchers, Teenage Fanclub, Mikal Cronin and The Music Tapes. The day each artist is performing has also been announced and you can check out the day-by-day breakdown below.

A press release noted "We have plenty more surprises up our sleeves, so stay tuned as we celebrate Merge 25!"

Merge signs Reigning Sound, William Tyler

Merge Records has a had a big year of releases so far this year and there are still a few to go, but the label is already looking ahead to 2013. They just signed two new acts, The Reigning Sound and singer-songwriter William Tyler.

The Reigning Sound formed in Memphis and are now based in Asheville. They are led by veteran garage rock singer-songwriter Greg Cartwright.

Singer-songwriter William Tyler played guitar in Lambchop for years before heading out on his own. He released his debut album in 2011 and was all over this year's Hopscotch Festival playing with Hiss Golden Messenger and Megafaun in addition to his own headline show.

Merge plans to release new albums by each of their new signees next year.

NC musicians teaming up to defeat Amendment One

The Mountain Goats, Mac McCaughan of Superchunk, Eric Cartwright of Reigning Sound, and Tara DeFrancisco will take the stage at Motorco Music Hall on Thursday, April 19, for the Benefit to Defeat Amendment One.

General admission tickets are $20 and available here. VIP tickets are available for $100 and include a pre-show meet-and-greet and the opportunity to request a song in the set.

Visit protectallncfamilies.org to learn more about Amendment One, and please get out to vote on May 8.