Mercury Midnight at the o2 Academy in Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 11th 2010.

One of the surprises of the summer, in terms of new bands coming to Liverpool and doing well could be the sensational Mercury Midnight. Fronted by vocalist Claire Louise Sheridan, the band exudes a confidence that betrays their youth and the lack of time they have been together.

Coming on stage, the four male members of the band, Daniel Gleaves on guitars and backing vocals, Abdul Hassaballa on bass, the inspiring Nikhil Aggawal on lead guitar and Muddy Bhatt on drums do a sparkling version of the intro to Pendulum’s Voodoo People before Claire joins them on stage and tantalises the expectant crowd with a set list to die for.

Although they are young, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any feeling or maturity in their music; it certainly comes across as insightful and heart breaking. There should be no astonishment when you see who the band are heavily influenced by some of the glitterati of their particular genre, Muse, the aforementioned Pendulum, Madina Lake and Paramore.

The guys powered through their set, and although relatively short, (the band were support to Not Advised on the night) still contained enough to thrill those in attendance and convince them that there is a future for the band.

With songs as diverse, musically as well as lyrically, at their disposal you could see where the influences reigned on songs such as Whiplash, All Comes Back, Echoes and the awesome Scream Out which defined the evening with its high energy and yet disarming subtle tones.

Mercury Midnight finished an impressive set with the song Give and Take and on these few songs alone, the buzz that was being generated by the audience will be heard more and more over the coming months.

Ian D. Hall