When Louisville, Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Mark Kramer performs as Tender Mercy, he is about as exposed as a performer can be. Formed as an outlet for solo performance after years playing bass in punk bands throughout the Midwest, Tender Mercy’s goal is to present Kramer’s songwriting in as minimalist a form as possible; to see him play live is like being transported into a personal meditation, somehow solemn and breathtaking at the same moment.

Tender Mercy’s full-length albums build upon the work of past EPs to capture the shock and beauty of Kramer’s live performances perfectly. Without overdubs, percussion or excessive tampering, these recordings perfectly capture the ambiance and mood of each song, honoring the use of melodic space that sets Kramer apart from peers such as Low, Sun Kil Moon and Grouper.

The debut 7” by Tender Mercy offers two meditations on the concept of home. The A-side “Reincarnation” reflects on homes being reinvented. The B-side “Fold” observes a home imploding. Listen to “Fold” below.

The 7″ sees release on October 17.

Catch Tender Mercy live here:

Upcoming performances:

9/20…Louisville, KY at Art Sanctuary

10/4…Louisville, KY at Woodbine Chamber

10/18…Louisville, KY at Surface Noise Records…7” release show

10/19…Dayton, OH at Blind Rage Records

WED 10/22…Cincinnati, OH @ the Comet

10/23…Cleveland, OH @ Dunlap’s Corner Bar

FRI 10/24…Pittsburgh, PA @ Poetry Lounge

SAT 10/25…Akron, OH @ Electric Company

Photo courtesy of Chris Higdon.