09/10/26
● Clear with red splatter vinyl *
● Alternative artwork sleeve *
● Signed A5 print *
● Numbered edition *
● Limited pressing of 700 *
*EXCLUSIVE to Dinked Edition 419
Much like a teacher, Meryl Streek imparts his knowledge and lived experiences to all who are willing to listen. His third album, ‘Stories They
Don’t Teach You At School’, serves as an alternative form of education, delivered through a visceral blend of factual soundbites and raw
emotion, loops and samples, guitars and bass. The lyrics resonate with core values of compassion, resilience, and community—themes rarely
explored within a classroom setting or seen in today's fragmented society. By prioritising conviction over commercial success, the Dublin
artist's outspokenness may invite controversy. Yet beneath the fervor lies a profound desire for positive social change at home in Ireland, and
beyond.
Meryl Streek returned to Darkland Studios in Dublin to fine-tune the recordings previously made in a shed at the back of his ma's garden. Here
he continued the genre-blurring nature of his earlier work, enticing listeners toward dissonant landscapes and hypnotic rhythms. Gentle piano
tones collide with abrasive synths, creating a striking tension between beauty and noise. Streek tempers his rage when appropriate,
integrating atmospheric textures and pop sensibilities into his ever-expanding sonic collage.
As is tradition with any Meryl Streek record, ‘Stories They Don’t Teach You At School’ unearths many uncomfortable truths. ‘Rotten Fruit’
examines media manipulation and the numbing proliferation of misinformation, all soundtracked by synth-punk. With gliding keys and a
crunchy bassline, ‘Council Estates’ critiques systemic government failures affecting the working class. ‘Kelly’ is a slice of electronica that details
an ongoing criminal investigation, currently classified as a “Contested Cause of Death”. The indie pop of 'The Chancer' brings much-needed
attention to landlord politicians. As the album progresses, the mission remains absolute: to provide a voice for the voiceless.
To amplify these narratives, Meryl Streek handpicked a diverse group of collaborators for the project. ‘Rotten Fruit’ features Steve Ignorant of
anarcho-punk collective CRASS. ‘Depression’ opens with a touching recording of the late Liam Norton, close friend and former touring
companion, while Pete Holidai of The Radiators From Space contributes guitars on the song. Comedian Phill Jupitus provides the spoken outro
for ‘The Chancer'. ‘Housing For All’ incorporates audio from Derelict Ireland campaigners Frank O’Connor and Jude Sherry. Venn Records
owner and Gallows guitarist Laurent ‘Lags’ Barnard joins forces with Adebisi Shank bassist Vinny McCreith on the aggressive ‘Bullet,’ while
Sophie Porter of Other Half provides bass guitar for ‘Life is Not a Rehearsal’. The album concludes with a three-minute spoken word piece by
Frankie McNamara, the viral creator behind ‘Meditations for the Anxious Mind’.
In her 1990 protest anthem “Black Boys on Mopeds,” the late Sinead O’Connor warned, “To say what you feel is to dig your own grave”. With
this release, Meryl Streek firmly holds the shovel.
1. Welcome
2. Rotten Fruit
3. Rags To Riches
4. Council Estates
5. Depression
6. Kelly
7. Be The Hammer
8. The Chancer
9. Housing For All
10. Bullet
11. Life Is Not A Rehearsal
12. Frankie's Theme