Mikey Erg – Tentative Decisions

Since The Ergs disbanded in 2008 Mikey Erg has been a busy man, aside from occasional resurrections of The Ergs, he’s played various instruments on at least twenty releases including Dirt Bike Annie, The Unlovables, The Dopamines, Star Fucking Hipsters, House Boat, and Worriers in addition to his solo output and relentless touring. Now we have his latest release, Tentative Decisions, this is his first album of solo material, so despite the aforementioned extensive back catalogue, this is technically his debut album.

Aside from what you’d expect from a Mikey Erg solo release, and there are songs on here that wouldn’t seem out of place on an album by The Ergs, there are also deeply personal songs, in particular on Boys And Girls And Tentative Decisions where he laments the problems that have occurred in his personal life. The issues encountered in relationships are a recurring theme across the album, but he’s done this without descending into melancholy, the lyrical content on many of songs provide a poignant juxtaposition to the upbeat compositions.

This is is a coherant and impressive solo debut from a man who has made countless records with other artists, Tentative Decisions indicates that Mikey Erg can pretty much turn his hand to anything he chooses to. He seamlessly flits between different styles and tempos, from upbeat pop punk numbers to introspective and experimental songs like the closing track Nyquil And Sudafed. This is an album that feels like it’s been partially informed by the solo shows he’s been prolifically performing, in particular on the track Song For New Britain, which feels like the best song Billy Bragg never wrote. Tentative Decisions comes across like the soundtrack of a man whose personal life is in turmoil, but who is using his problems to fuel his creativity.

Tentative Decisions will be released on June 24 2016 release via Don Giovanni Records and can be ordered here