Project Review: MRCY’s ‘VOLUME 2’

In an era where genre boundaries are constantly dissolving, few acts have managed to carve out a space as distinct and emotionally resonant as MRCY. The British duo, comprising acclaimed producer Barney Lister and the soul-stirring vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson, have become a breath of fresh air in the modern soul landscape, providing an emotional clarity within their art which speaks to the human experience.

With their debut project ‘VOLUME 1’ introducing the world to their refined yet raw sound to maximum effect with hits like ‘California’ and ‘R.L.M’ spreading their name far and wide, last Friday marked the release of their second project entitled ‘VOLUME 2’.

Boldly pushing their artistry further, diving into questions of identity, masculinity, and emotional resilience with even greater depth and maturity, we’re taken into a new window of soul music… an invitation to feel, to process and to find light in the dark.

Opening up the project with ‘Angels’ and ‘Wanna Know (Ontario)’ sets the tone with uplifting grooves, rich harmonies, and Kojo’s soaring falsetto; a mature and uplifting sound that blends charged charisma and energy with underlying mellow tones, authenticity is the backbone to this project.

Taking the listener on a guided journey of reminiscent, classic soul influences with a blend of new-gen harmonies, as the album progresses, MRCY delves into more complex themes and sounds. One of the leading tracks, ‘Man’, addresses the challenges of modern masculinity over afrobeat polyrhythms and a jazz-inflected flourish, a track that stands as sonically infectious as it is thought-provoking. Accompanied by a Béni Masiala-directed performance video, ‘Man’ is a standout track on the project, showcasing their ability to fuel music with substance and introspective value.

Other offerings, however, such as ‘Flicker’, explore emotional vulnerability in the sense of offloading energy into the wrong people who don’t reciprocate, articulated over a Ghanaian highlife riff and a dancefloor-ready bassline. Another standout from the eight-track project, out via Dead Oceans that weighs in at just under twenty-eight minutes, the project feels a real gift of quality.

‘VOLUME 2’ continues to showcase MRCY’s musical growth, but also solidifies the reasoning behind their various accolades, including a Rising Star nomination at the Rolling Stone Awards and recognition in DIY’s Class of 2025. Listening to not only ‘VOLUME 2’ but all of MRCY’s discography, you can’t help but think, “how are these guys not bigger than they already are?”. They truly are the real deal; authentic, brain-tickling music that serves a purpose with cultural and societal longevity.

Rating: 4.5/5

Check the project out below :