(LANSDALE, PA) --  Lansdale pop punk act Merit has announced their third record, Living With The Low. Featuring latest single, "Woe, She's A Gravedigger."

Living With The Low was recorded/produced by Matt Brasch of The Wonder Years, mixed by Nick Steinborn of The Wonder Years, and mastered by Bill Henderson of Thursday. Fans can pre-order the new EP, set to be released on July 26th, here.

"The record is basically a psycho-self analysis of dealing with betrayal within romantic and other personal relationships," shares vocalist Mike Dougherty."The lack of honesty and loyalty, especially how constant it was in my life then, really played a part in the downfall of my psyche and has made an everlasting impact on how I handle things in my day to day life."

He continues: "Each song on this record has a specific emotion attached to them, that's why we named them the way we did. Despite its light sounding instrumentation, this is a very dark record to reflect a low period of my life. Hence 'Living with the Low."

Merit is a pop-punk band from Lansdale, PA. Since forming in 2016 the group has played up and down the east coast, growing their underground fan base with their catchy hooks and exciting live shows.

They will be releasing their third record, Living with the Low, on July 26th, 2019. The record was recorded and produced by Matt Brasch (of The Wonder Years), mixed by Nick Steinborn (also of The Wonder Years), and mastered by Bill Henderson (of Thursday).

To coincide with the release of the album, they are teaming up with local brewery, Imprint Brewing, to brew, can, and release a blood orange/pineapple/cherry/milkshake IPA dubbed "Pop-Punch," which will also be available starting July 26th.

Touring in early July and fall 2019, Merit sets their sights on pushing further west.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

7/11 - Mays Landing, NJ @ The Watering Hole

7/12 - Fayetteville, NC @ Drunk Horse Pub

7/13 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Café Verona

7/14 - Harrisburg, PA @ JB Lovedrafts

7/20 - Phoenixville, PA @ Nest Fest

7/26 - Hatfield, PA @ Acoustic Record Release Show

7/27 - Lansdale, PA @ Record Release Show

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Under the Carousel" by Josh Herman

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Under the Carousel," the latest video from North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman.

---

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 06/11/2026

---

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from June 10-16, 2026

---

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Junky Eyes" by Greg Amici

 

MORE NEWS

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

---

Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

---

Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

---

Jersey Arts Podcast: Bring on the Bacon! The Princeton Festival Features The Bacon Brothers

---

Brian K & The Parkway Announces New Album featuring Lilly Hiatt, Cat Popper, and Rob Clores

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.

---

Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey

---

Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC

---

Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday

Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads

---

News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates