Single Review: Small Miracles - Mercury

Here at NNWNF, we're always looking for new writers to express themselves and share their musical passions. Today we welcome new writer Niamh Rowley, who is studying journalism at Chester University. We sent Niamh the new single from Cardiff band Small Miracles and she told us more about why this confirms them as a band to watch out for. 

Brand new single ‘Mercury’ from the Cardiff-based band Small Miracles - out now on Dirty Carrots Records - hits with a bang. Formed of Finn Pelling (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Jim Webster (keys and organ), Steve Kenward (lead guitar), James Sarson (bass), and Lucas Eldridge (drums), the band have a taste for bouncy punk in previously released tracks ‘Tonight’ and ‘On Your Mind’. They've set their bar high and 'Mercury' delivers.

Upon first listening, I was immediately greeted by a heavy guitar intro. Sending an infectious groove through my entire core, I simply can't help but stop what I’m doing and solely focus on the bliss that is the melody. Within the first few seconds my attention was grabbed, and that was a good sign of what was to come. 

                                  📷 Ren Faulkner

Taking us down a path bordering on the psychedelic, 'Mercury' builds on the band’s previous work but begins to take a different route throughout this particular song. Providing us with a stream of punchy, pent-up lyrics that hold deeply personal, but relatable meaning. With the band confessing this song carries a story of domestic violence and toxic masculinity, you can’t help but feel transported to a world of endless “what ifs” and “if only I could.”

Drawing inspiration from iconic punk and post-punk bands like Pixies and The Cure, the band has found its sonic home and seemingly enjoys exploring and shaping it in every way they can. With spikey energy both lyrically and musically, they have all the tools to rapidly improve their blossoming careers. Small Miracles are certainly a band to keep your eye on in the coming months.

 

As the song advances the feeling of anger increases alongside the intensity of the instruments, becoming a rant that hammers home the initial point. There is much to enjoy in the production of this track and how the different layers unfold. As a lover of guitars, I can't express how much I enjoy the differing riffs and how they've been arranged. The structure and sound will translate in a live setting and I envision this going hard with many sweaty mosh pits forming in increasingly larger crowds.  

I for one, can't wait to see what Small Miracles have up their sleeve in future singles.