Oldham-based rock band Mercy Kelly are new to us, and recent success has led them to a bit of a transformation.
By Graeme Smith
Multiple invites to the festival circuit proved a double-edged sword for the band, meaning they had to shift their lineup from a five-piece to a three-piece, retaining the songwriting partnership of Jack Marland and Adam Bridge and introducing drummer Liam Constantine.
Their new sound has been unleashed on their EP, Summer of Silence, consisting of four tracks of vibrant, emotional indie pop rock full of bright riffs and smooth vocals, characterised by record opener Breathe For Her.
Big choruses are contrasted by intimate moments. A folksy undercurrent suggests echoes of Of Monsters and Men, particularly in Love Song, the first track written as the new lineup. There’s an intensity to it that builds to a cathartic close.
Speak Too Soon is Coldplay-level anthemic while Shard of Rain reaches further back in time, finding the power pop of the ‘80s and ‘90s as inspiration for its slow-burning composition and poetic lyrics.
Summer of Silence is not only an introduction to the band for us. It’s a reflection of their turbulent, transformative time, and a stake in the ground for what is to come. The EP is out now, and you can listen to it below.
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