The Breakdown
Merci, mercy has once again captivated us with her highly anticipated EP, ‘Like An Orchid‘, a vibrant collection of alt-pop anthems exploring the complexities of relationships, addiction, and anxiety. The EP solidifies her position as a prominent figure in the Australian pop scene, showcasing her evolution as an artist and fearlessness in exploring emotional vulnerabilities.
The title, ‘Like An Orchid’, reflects merci, mercy’s personal growth. Collaborating with long-time producer Chris Collins, Sydney-based songwriter Robby De Sa, and Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy of The Wombats, this EP marks a significant chapter in her evolving relationships. The result is a beautiful and emotionally resonant EP signalling a journey towards happiness & personal fulfilment.
‘Like An Orchid’ unfolds with a diverse array of seemingly magical alt-pop gems. ‘Shovel’ establishes the tone beautifully, showcasing merci, mercy’s talent for blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious melodies, making it an instant favourite. In ‘If You Had Any Friends’ merci, mercy takes the spotlight, her vocals shining against a strong beat and a mesmerising hook, creating a standout track with relatable lyrics.
Absolute treasure, ‘Lonely & Horny’, delivers a super catchy chorus that will have you swaying, presenting alt-pop in a way that resonates with anyone and everyone. ‘Silver Lining’ proves perfect for sing-alongs, destined to be a live favourite and almost reminiscent of emotional climaxes in teen-angst indie movies. Finally, ‘Mouldy’ emerges as a refined alt-pop masterpiece, featuring merci, mercy’s beautifully layered vocals and establishing itself as an immediate playlist addition, highlighting her versatility as an artist.
Merci, mercy invites listeners into the emotional roller coaster of her EP, stating, “Like An Orchid is the roller coaster of emotions during your first relationship, especially when you have anxiety.” She provides a glimpse into the personal journey embedded in the music, adding, “The songs in Like an Orchid are a family in terms of the lyrics but distant relatives in terms of the way they sound. Each story has its own sound.“
With over 24 million streams from previous EPs, ‘no thank you, no thanks‘ (2020) and ‘is it me, or is it you?‘ (2022), and widespread support across Australia and the UK, merci, mercy is on a trajectory toward even greater success globally. She is also set to headline shows at Melbourne’s The Wesley Anne and Sydney’s The Vanguard. Her upcoming appearances at Melbourne’s SoundBox, Mushroom 50 Celebration, and Changing Tides Festival will undoubtedly showcase her fantastic new EP along with fan favourites.
Sat 25 Nov | Always Live Soundbox | Arts Centre Forecourt | Naarm/Melbourne VIC
Sun 26 Nov | Mushroom 50 | Rod Laver Arena | Naam, Melbourne VIC
Sun 17 Dec | Changing Tides | Kiama Showgrounds | Kiama NSW
Fri 19 Jan | The Wesley Anne | Naarm/Melbourne
Sat 20 Jan | The Vanguard | Gadigal/Sydney
Photo Credit: Madeline Randall
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