When Louisville, Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Mark Kramer performs as Tender Mercy, he is about as exposed as a performer can be. Formed as an outlet for solo performance after years playing bass in punk bands throughout the Midwest, Tender Mercy’s goal is to present Kramer’s songwriting in as minimalist a form as possible; to see him play live is like being transported into a personal meditation, somehow solemn and breathtaking at the same moment.
Tender Mercy’s full-length albums build upon the work of past EPs to capture the shock and beauty of Kramer’s live performances perfectly. Without overdubs, percussion, or excessive tampering, these recordings perfectly capture the ambiance and mood of each song, honoring the use of melodic space that sets Kramer apart from peers such as Low, Sun Kil Moon and Grouper.
The debut seven-inch by Tender Mercy offers two meditations on the concept of home. The A-side ‘Reincarnation’ reflects on homes being reinvented. The B-side ‘Fold’ observes a home imploding. Listen to ‘Reincarnation’ below. The seven-inch sees release on October 17. Order it here.
Catch Tender Mercy live here:
10/18…Louisville, KY at Surface Noise Records…7” release show10/19…Dayton, OH at Blind Rage Records
10/22…Cincinnati, OH @ the Comet
10/23…Cleveland, OH @ Dunlap’s Corner Bar
10/24…Pittsburgh, PA @ Poetry Lounge
10/25…Akron, OH @ Electric Company
Photo courtesy of Chris Higdon
