Mercury. Album Release
“We Were So Close, but Now We’re So Far”
Nashville’s, Mercury. drops their first album, “We Were So Close, but Now We’re So Far".
I accidently came across “Mercury.” last week when I was researching cool band names for myself (good job ya’ll). This indie psychedelic rock band grabbed me by the t- shirt and pulled me in at light speed. I hit repeat so many times and got lost in their magical musical void.
The band is full of talented musicians hailing from Nashville, including Maddie Kerr (Vocalist & Rhythm Guitar), Mason Osman (Lead Guitar), Zack Lockwood (Drums) and Noah Nockels on bass.
Photos by - Brandon Exum
I got to speak to Mason a little bit and asked him where their innovation comes from.
“We are inspired by our society, and find ourselves writing a lot about what is wrong with it, and the things to come if we continue functioning at the capacity that our global culture currently does. By combining a gritty instrumental with haunting female vocals, we create a woodland atmosphere that is completely unique to us.”
They dropped their first album on Halloween night and have already gained quite a following. All the tracks start with a bang, timeless in quality and an ease in effort. My absolute favorite is “Canyons.” This music would hook in just about anyone, with an absolute killer melodic line.
Maddie’s vocals drive the song forward in a brooding verse that opens up into a floating chorus of, “Will you still love me when the world is falling down?” The second go around of the verse is even better, layered with tasteful harmonies. Listen to my favorite section at 3:41. [I’ll keep why I love it a secret]. Definitely give this one a listen, and drop your favorite of the album below. Each one is a full deep dive into a pool of luscious musicality and I look forward to hearing your perspective.
This record was produced by Max Colbert, with mixing efforts by both Colbert and Caleb Kuhlman, and mastered by Noah Nockels. If you hear any trumpet, you can tip your hat to Sam Cooley and keys to Jesse Houle. The blood sweat and tears of Devin Badgett and Ethan Sullivan also went into this.
When finishing up my chat with Mason, he left me with this:
Our debut EP "We were so close, But Now We're So Far" features many different sounds that we have been curating for past year and a half. Expanding on thematic elements in the book "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn, we describe that the way the world functions right now, is not how it has to be. And although changing the way we live seems simple enough, a cultural collapse is necessary for humanity to exist as it should. The EP covers our thoughts on how our world should function, as a community based, self-sustained being. We believe that the hunger for money and power is preventative {in} the human experience, and that for true peace and contentment we must rethink the original foundations of our entire society.
Photos by - Brandon Exum
I recommend title song, “We Were So Close, but Now We’re So Far for some addicting guitar licks and spectral vocals.
As always - if you know a band that just released some music- drop a comment below. I’m excited to listen. Keep wearing your mask, keep writing cool tunes and keep your head up. It is all good. Grab a sprite (I’m not sponsored but- hey Coca-Cola), a record and relax.
See you for the next release.