The Mercians

Midlands five-piece The Mercians capped off a fine 2022 by supporting former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan at his homecoming show in Leicester.

Let’s check them out:

*images courtesy of Away Day Radio

Little Shaw Lane

The Mercians kicked off 2002 with this fizzing indie anthem. On the surface, it’s another slice of indie rock to match their fine peers The Voyd and Civic Green. However, scratch beneath and their desire for change is looking for a fight that it will surely win.

The guitars launch the single to a rapturous effect but, it’s in the closing stages that the band comes alive. There’s almost a gothic feel to their furious eruption at the state of society. The guitars howl with anguish few can match but, through the dynamism of the vocals, a belief emerges that things will get better.

Just Like You

What Blossoms started The Lathums followed up on with great effect. Now, there is a gluttony of talent writing solid indie-pop (Overpass / The Native). The Mercians are not settling for solid though. Like all great pop music, there’s darkness permeating under the radar. Here, they deftly deal with addiction. Coupled with the Santan-esque solos and the emotive harmonies they have shown they can tap into the mainstream at will.  

The Mercians will be supporting the all conquering Marseille this March. Click image for tickets:

Overpass

Overpass are a four-piece hailing from Birmingham. They consist of Max Newbold (vocals/guitar), Elliot Rawlings (guitar), India Armstrong (bass), and Joe Gallagher (drums).

Their latest single ‘3am’ is the debut release on This Feeling Records, a deal that seems destined to catapult them to the big time.

Let’s check out what they have been up to:

*image courtesy of Fear PR and Sam Crowston

3am

A night out, a chance to fall in love. An indie song discourse as old as time! What can become indie landfill in the blink of an eye is gloriously surpassed by Overpass with hissing guitars, riotous vocals, and a sense of searching that opens up a world of opportunity.

Otherside of Midnight

Remarkably fully formed indie-rock for a fledgling band. The crispness of Night Café and the jagged edges of Lock-in combine to create images of Foals headlining festivals.

Stop The Clock

Sumptuous looping riffs soundtrack this clarion call of living life to the max. No regrets, only dreams! The playfulness of Little Comets is given an expansive rock ‘n’ roll makeover.

Overpass on this form are a force to be reckoned with.

Here are the live dates for 2022 and 2023:

DECEMBER 

17th - Birmingham, O2 Academy (guests to The Twang) 

JANUARY 2023 - INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK TOUR 

30th - Todmorden, The Golden Lion 

31st - Leeds, Oporto 

FEBRUARY 2023 - INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK TOUR 

1st - Northampton, The Black Prince 

2nd - Sunderland, Independent Room 2 

3rd - Leicester, Firebug Bar 

4th - North Shields, The Engine Room