(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: "Spiral Will" by Solace

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Spiral Will," a single and video from "Fading Falling Ruin," the latest album from doomy Jersey Shore dirt metal greats Solace.

---

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 07/23/2026

---

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from July 21-27, 2026

---

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "A Light To Come Home To" by Lisa Bouchelle

 

MORE NEWS

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

---

Lily Vakili Announces Residency at the Woodland Stage at Marksboro Mills

---

Major League returns with New Music for the first time in 12 years

---

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

---

Foreigner releases "In The Eye Of The Storm" - a new live album

 

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.

---

2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

---

MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview

---

West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series

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