When 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, the project’s goal is to present Kramer’s songwriting in as minimalist a form as possible. His most recent album The Veil Falls builds upon the work of his previous two albums and various EPs to capture the use of melodic space that sets Kramer apart from peers such as Low and Grouper.

The Veil Falls album stream / purchase / download

“Nocturnal reveries in the vein of minimal Radiohead compositions. Mark Kramer (Tender Mercy) has cultivated a distinctive singer/songwriter style, a black, evocative character, preferring the shadows to the light. His voice haunts the spare guitar notes like an utter specter. Songs like these play over the end credits of drama films that have faded to black following some sort of traumatic event. “

– Cassette Gods

When Louisville, KY 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, the project’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.

Tender Mercy has opened for the likes of Advance Base, DIVORCE, Bro. Stephen, Simon Joyner, Jeffery Lewis, Wooden Wand, Fugitive, Twin Limb, Cross Record and Service.