Philadelphia-based punk rock project Merit Maker returns with “Better Days Ahead”, the fourth full-length album by songwriter and bassist Joe Stanton. Released as a continuation of his solo musical journey, this record feels like a gritty, melodic mission statement—one that insists punk rock can still be fun, cathartic, and rooted in raw emotional honesty. This acts as the follow-up to 2024’s EP “Five More”.
Following the same DIY-inspired energy that has defined Merit Maker’s sound since its inception, “Better Days Ahead” sees Joe Stanton reunite with long-time collaborators Mitchell Layton on guitar and Blaise Rantanen on drums. Recorded once again with engineer Andrew Brown at Light and Sound Studio, the trio builds on the sonic chemistry established in their previous album, “Pick Ups and Put Downs”. While the sound remains familiar, there’s a noticeable evolution, one that shows growth without losing sight of the project’s punk-rock roots.
Thematically, “Better Days Ahead” feels especially resonant in today’s uncertain world. The title alone hints at reflection, renewal, and optimism, a sense that no matter what came before, there’s always something more hopeful ahead. That spirit carries through the entire album, with lyrics that are sincere, emotionally grounded, and unafraid to lay things bare. Rather than relying on metaphor or abstraction, the songs favour directness and relatability, making space for vulnerability, perseverance, and personal growth.
Across its ten tracks, “Better Days Ahead” explores the highs and lows of personal growth with unfiltered emotion and powerful punk-rock energy. Each song offers its own perspective, whether it’s reflecting on the past, embracing change, or holding onto hope for what’s next. The emotional and musical journey unfolds gradually, with each track carving out its own space.
The album kicks off with “Set It Straight”, making a bold impact from the very first second and setting the tone for what’s to come. Hard rock guitar chords crash in alongside thunderous drums, laying the groundwork before passionate vocals launch into the first verse. As the track progresses, the driving rhythm and infectious energy take hold, while the chorus stands out with its memorable hook and clear lyrical message, one of perseverance, taking control, and making things right.
This is followed by “Feelings First”, a track that builds with dynamic punk-rock energy layered with subtle indie tones, making it stand out for all the right reasons. The strong vocals amplify the emotional fluctuations in the lyrics, reflecting how relationships shift over time, peppered with bouts of anxiety and uncertainty, making this a cleverly crafted and evolving track.
“The Stolen Hearts” follows next, fluidly continuing the hard punk-rock energy of the previous track while experimenting with restraint. The verses pull back instrumentally to let the vocals and lyrics take centre stage, diving into themes of heartbreak, emotional fallout, and the lingering impact of stealing hearts.
This is followed by “Around Again”, which opens with punchy drums and steady guitar as rhythmic vocals quickly kick in. Leaning more into indie-rock territory, the track highlights Merit Maker’s versatility, with Joe Stanton delivering heartfelt vocals that explore the idea of giving a relationship another chance and embracing the journey with a sense of pride.
Track five, “Two Steps Ahead”, opens with a slow, rhythmic build that puts the spotlight firmly on the vocals, which come through crisp and clear, adding a layer of emotional intensity that contrasts with the heavier energy of the previous tracks. Punk-rock instrumentals cascade in and out, creating bursts of momentum, while the lyrics delve into risk-taking and personal growth. The dynamic choruses drive the track forward right through to the final moments, maintaining its emotional weight throughout.
Next up is “New Chapter,” which brings back the hard-hitting punk-rock energy with pounding drums and heavy guitar chords right from the start. Possibly the strongest vocal performance on the album, Joe Stanton delivers with raw honesty and power, allowing listeners to truly feel his emotion. Lyrically, the song reflects on moving on from a relationship, starting over, and venting frustration toward an ex-partner. The instrumental bridge just past the halfway point is a highlight, with Mitchell Layton showcasing stellar guitar playing while Blaise Rantanen tears through an explosive drum section. It’s a standout moment on the album and quite possibly our favourite track.
“Upsides of Downsides” taps into early-2000s pop-rock influences, particularly in the vocal delivery, while rhythmic guitars and pounding drums build toward an anthemic rock sound. The instrumental break at the halfway point once again allows Mitchell Layton and Blaise Rantanen to shine, showcasing their flawless skills on guitar and drums, respectively. Joe Stanton matches their intensity, delivering powerful vocals that elevate the emotional impact of the lyrics, which explore themes of self-empowerment and personal growth. The songwriting is expertly crafted, woven with poetic lines that effortlessly resonate with listeners.
Track eight, “Summer Days”, arrives with perfect timing as the sun shines down on us. Continuing the anthemic rock vibe from the previous track, this one brings a stronger sense of rhythmic balance and an addictive, unstoppable momentum. Joe Stanton adds vocal runs to the chorus for extra emphasis, pushing Merit Maker’s punk-rock sound into more versatile territory. Lyrically, the track radiates optimism and captures the carefree feeling we all experience when relaxing in the summer sun.
Next up is “Liftoffs, Landings”, which shifts the album’s energy toward a more indie-rock sound, bringing a raw, homegrown garage-band feel. The poetic lyricism continues from earlier tracks but evolves here with celestial metaphors—”shoot for the stars” and “aim for the skies”—that convey ambition, self-reflection, and growth from past experiences. Merit Maker delivers another standout performance here, with expressive vocals layered over a tight and compelling rhythm section.
The final track on the album, “Roads Ahead”, feels perfectly placed—its title alone suggests reflection, growth, and a hopeful look toward the future. From the outset, it leans into a progressive punk-rock sound, blending elements of classic rock with ballad-like vocals. Lyrically, it’s full of optimism and forward-thinking sentiment, as Merit Maker channels their punk-rock spirit into an uplifting closer that ends the album on a high note.
With all ten tracks offering something distinct yet cohesive, “Better Days Ahead” ultimately comes together as more than just a collection of songs; it’s a deeply personal and honest reflection of life’s challenges, turning points, and quiet triumphs.
“Better Days Ahead” doesn’t try to reinvent punk-rock, and it doesn’t need to. What makes this album resonate is its raw sincerity and emotional clarity. Through reflective lyrics, sharp instrumentals, and passionate vocals, Merit Maker creates a space where vulnerability is strength and growth is worth celebrating. It’s a tight, emotionally driven collection that knows exactly what it wants to say, and says it without compromise.
As punk continues to stretch in all directions, “Better Days Ahead” is a reminder of how powerful the genre can be when it stays grounded in its roots: melodic urgency, personal truth, and an unwavering DIY spirit. Rather than breaking the mould, Merit Maker refines it, reminding us that progress doesn’t always require starting from scratch. True to its name, this album leaves you feeling like something brighter is just around the corner.
“Better Days Ahead”, by Merit Maker, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Loud & Fast Records. You can find out more about the band on their official website.