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Album Review: Active Child - Mercy (2015 LP)

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It’s been 4 years since Pat Grossi aka Active Child released his critically acclaimed debut album You Are All I See. 2013 saw him release EP Rapor, which exhibited a significantly more upbeat electronic feel and featured the likes of Ellie Goulding and Mikky Echo. His latest album Mercy takes a step back to the more acoustic elements of You Are All I See, and maybe even a step further into a new sound altogether for Grossi.

Perhaps the biggest change on this record is that Mercy is heavily piano driven. The glittering harps and moody synths of previous releases still feature, but serve more as a layer above poignant piano chords rather than the driving force of the overall sound. The album also has a more love-soaked feel and ‘Darling’ is the most obvious example of this. It’s a tantalising love song featuring mostly acoustic guitar and Grossi’s ever-impressive vocals, with a sprinkling of heavenly harp. This delicate recipe creates a song I’d imagine someone proposing with, surrounded by candlelight and a bed of roses (*sheds a slight tear*).

‘Stranger’ embodies the development of emotion through punchy bass lines reminiscent of many tracks on You Are All I See. Building from lyrics of yearning to be saved and desperation for change it amounts to a climax of juxtaposing harps and droning synths. Paired with a jarring lyrical plea of “can you save me?” Grossi displays his immense talent in song construction. Tracks like ‘These Arms’ and ‘Never Far Away’ combine Grossi’s new and old sound. More upbeat than most of the album ‘These Arms’ speaks of a new love and companionship. And ‘Never Far Away’ is probably the most radio friendly single off the album, with its sensual electric guitar and catchy chorus.

From ‘Stranger’ onwards the album takes a turn from love to lust in ‘Temptation’ and then ultimately to loss in ‘Too Late’. Bringing up the rear of the album ‘Too Late’ incorporates a new inclusion of strings. Yes, strings, like the album wasn’t already pushing me over the emotional edge. It has similar elements to ‘Darling’ with it being mostly stripped back to piano and vocals but instead of lyrics about love it finalises the album with a sombre feeling of loss.

Mercy is an intensely enjoyable listen. However, there doesn’t seem to be one absolute stand out track like there has been on previous releases. There is no ‘Hanging On’ of Mercy. But similar to You Are All I See, Mercy takes the listener on an emotional journey. And the album finishes open ended, almost leading seamlessly into a sequel. The possibilities are seemingly endless with the ever-evolving Active Child.

Review Score: 7.8 out of 10.

Mercy is available now.


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