oldphone
i hope i'm with my cats when the flood comes

5th wave emo / alternative pop / digipop / dreamo / bedroom pop / emo

Over the past 2 years, The Merrier has released 2 EPs, Cyclical (2022), and If We Fall Asleep Too Early (2023), both of which received positive attention from listeners and critics within DIY and emo spaces. On flood, Stephens continues to refine his dreamo sound, which manages to keep one foot steadily in the "emo" camp despite the creative pathways his instrumentals and guests often trace. This album continues to explore themes of loneliness, starting over after a break up, being "too online", and forging new relationships with people.