MRCY have released their debut project, VOLUME 1, on vinyl via Dead Oceans.
VOLUME 1 is a memorable introduction to the world of MRCY. Their vision of Soul through the looking-glass draws inspiration ranging from childhood greats (Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye) to genre-melding modernists like Khruangbin or Sault – “it’s like hearing a distant memory,” Barney says, “but one that speaks to where you are now”. And on their debut body of work, MRCY’s sound looks deeper inwards, and further outwards: debut single ‘Lorelei’ was an ethereal, otherworldly tale of love destined to end in disaster, whilst ‘Flowers In Mourning’ brought together Afrobeats and Northern Soul in an affecting meditation on family and loss. The volume is bound by a striking visual aesthetic made in collaboration with Harris Elliot which warps AI, Adinkra symbolism and British iconography into a look – and sound – that is already recognisably MRCY.
Also launched recently is an incredible live session video. Check out ‘Flowers In Mourning’ – Live From The Mildmay Club, below.
MRCY are producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson. Hailing from different ends of England and disparate cultures, theirs is a space of self-expression that combines the timeless musical warmth of Marvin Gaye with the genre-melding, modern sensibility of Anderson. Paak, Khruangbin and Sault. And having strived separately behind the scenes, the band is as much about putting yourself first as it is the spirit of compassion that has never felt more needed.“It’s like hearing a distant memory,” Barney says, “but one that speaks to where you are now.”
Praise for MRCY:
“Perhaps the most exciting new act to appear from the UK this year so far” Wonderland
“Psychedelic soul at its most ensnaring” Sunday Times
“Ambitious, emotionally charged…helps us fathom life’s confusion” NME
“A rare musical chemistry…smooth and softly experimental” Rolling Stone
“Triumphant and dynamic…MRCY are quickly landing themselves on every music enthusiast’s radar”” Clash
“Baton-carriers of genre-bending contemporary soul” DIY
Stream VOLUME ONE: https://MRCY.lnk.to/VOLUME-1
VOLUME 1 – Tracklist
- ‘R.L.M’
- ‘Lorelei’
- ‘Purple Canyon’
- ‘Days Like This’
- ‘California’
- ‘Flowers In Mourning’
- ‘Powerless’
- ‘Seven Candles’
