Featured image and gallery: Nathan Cole
In a quiet room at the Deaf Institute, 40 or so people gather for The Mercians’ highly anticipated first headline tour. Having come off the back of supporting former Kasabian frontman, Tom Meighan, the four-piece are one of the scene’s most exciting up-and-coming outfits. They’re on a mission to ‘bring indie back to the midlands’, and tonight they bring a taste of Leicester to us.
Shader, an unpretentious Manchester quartet, open proceedings with the no-nonsense rock of ‘Drop the Weapon’ and ‘Pulse’. Drummer, Tom Turney, steals the show with his energy and passion.
We are then introduced to unashamedly drunk Liverpudlians, Blondes. Their euphoric indie pop fills the room, conveying a warmth in the disco lights and The Lodge’s cosy setting.
The Mercians know how to garner a reaction; mashups of Kasabian, ‘Come on Eileen’ and car alarms preface their entrance. Referencing a recent misfortune with their tour van, lead Matt Cominotto apologises: “Sorry we’re late, fucking van got nicked.”
The lighting and haze is fantastic, providing a theatrical experience to the intimate venue. Debuting new songs such as ‘Oxygen’, ‘Sarah Connor’ and ‘Gymshark’, the hulking guitar riffs and Cominotto’s rich tonal quality shines through.
The band throws out inflatable beach balls and sharks alongside branded beer mats. Concern for atmosphere and marketing is clear; The Mercians know how to sell themselves. Far from being distracted by the props, the crowd leans into the visual storytelling elements of the show.
‘Dreamseller’ and ‘I Don’t Mind’ go down a treat, the floor shakes with jumping excitement. The fans hang onto every word, and receive constant thanks for their attendance. ‘077’ is an emotional ballad, with its vocal refrain sung back to the band with enthusiasm.
Guitarist, Joe Syborn, joins Cominotto as they descend into the audience to play an acoustic version of ‘Scum Like Us’. The crowd encircle the two as they play a touching piece surrounded by phone torchlight. It is uncommon to see bands so up close and personal, but The Lodge is the perfect setting.
With an incredible portfolio of feel-good indie and an already loyal fanbase, one thing is clear from the first show of the ‘Come Home Eileen’ tour: The Mercians are ones to watch.
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