Presenting Merciful Sounds Newly Signed Artists: Eve’s Girlfriend, Malatone and Preach

It was not until a few weeks ago that I found out about Merciful Sounds. For those, like myself, who are not in the know, Merciful Sounds is a student run record label created to support local musical talent. Their recent showcase introduced three bands signed: Eve’s Girlfriend, Malatone and Preach.

Performed at the University of Liverpool’s Music Department, the audience was an epicentre of support, presumably filled with likeminded artists in the community seemingly familiar enough with each band to help advise with their set ups. It was as if the amplification of every instrument in every band was shared knowledge between everyone there, built from a multitude of shared experiences, blurring the line between watcher and performer.

Eve’s Girlfriend, a four piece consisting of singer Natalie, also playing the acoustic guitar, John on lead guitar, Archie on bass, and Donnie on drums,opened the set under a moody blue light which at first, struck me as the tone of the band’s musical style: Natalie’s soulful and raspy voice complimenting the slow beat and confessional, melancholic lyrics. I found that while the earnestness of their sound was consistent throughout their set, it is not limited to this tone. John’s electric solos, reminiscent of the pulsing punch packed from early Rolling Stones songs, added another dimension of impact to their music, creating a fuller sound that rendered their music as memorable and poignant.

When Malatone began playing, I was taken aback by the advanced and developed musical talent of my peers. It felt as if I was listening to someone well established in the music industry, the seemingly effortless fluidity between each performer and the intricate level they played at, beyond their years. The confidence and coordination between members, particularly between bass and guitar solos, was phenomenal to watch, and the joy the musicians felt at being on stage was infectious to the dancing audience. To those interested in punkish, Paramore adjacent, powerhouse tunes, seeping with energy and passion, I would adamantly recommend seeing Malatone live, as well as giving their new single Don’t Understand a listen.

The final band I will talk about completely blindsided me with their combination of punk, synth and dance. Their unexpected cocktail of electric synths and biting lyrics left a memorable mark upon leaving the gig. Preach truly transcends any genre, and although I tried, any attempt to label their music would be reductive; their music lingers on your mind long after the gig, it is powerful and raw. The controlled rage channelled into the singing, whether discussing something personal or political, created that feeling of catharsis you get after listening to great punk bands; it leaves you feeling artistically inspired.

The Merciful Sounds showcase, and their later events are fantastic opportunities to experience dynamic and fresh sounds, like Eve’s Girlfriend, Malatone, and Preach. Seeing local bands live is not only a self-serving, intimate and artistically aesthetic experience as you involve yourself in the community and all this city has to offer but also gives support to the local artists that help make it magical.