THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Philadelphia indie-pop band
Mercury Girls, who just made their Orlando debut (Oct. 19, The Social), have scant output so far. But their latest promising 7-inch is on excellent taste-making indie
Slumberland Records.
As far as first impressions go – on record but especially live – they know how to make you fall hard and fast. They neither take it slow nor play hard to get. They just max out the charm and dive headlong in a spiraling freefall of
sparkling melodies and
noise-pop texture. It’s a gust of swoon and soar that comes in one breathless speed and in perpetual updraft. When something this enchanting comes on with such velocity and such singleness of mind, all you can do is submit.
After the fizz and shine of Mercury Girls, the polished, progressive neo-emo of St. Louis’
Foxing was a little bit of a wet bed. What’s undeniable about them, though, is that they work with craft, clarity and drama. Because feelings are serious, guys. An
actual violin was involved. Really.
But even all that was no candle next to the gushing bombast of headliner
Balance and Composure, who pump modern emo with
Muse ambition.
Sleek sonics, high theater and flashy lighting rig, this is emotional rock that’s
built for arenas. Whatever your appetite for melodrama is, these guys at least have sturdy songs that translate grandly and a full grasp on the mileage of showmanship.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
This article appears in Oct 19-25, 2016.
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