Following the overwhelming reception of their previous single "All On You," which garnered over 15,000 radio plays and reached number 1 on the European Indie Charts, Blindness & Light returns with a spectacular new release. This latest track marks the conclusion of a year filled with successes for the musical collective, presenting their final release of 2024 just ahead of the launch of their new album ‘I Dreamt I Had Insomnia’.
Colin M. Potter, the mastermind behind Blindness & Light, once again surpasses the audience's expectations with his latest studio work, titled 'Mersey Bell.' This new single, full of emotiveness, arises from his personal experiences following the loss of one of his closest friends. Every second of the track conveys that feeling, imbued with a contemplative and reflective aura that resonates in every note. The carefully crafted musical arrangements, together with a vocal delivery full of sentiment, make this song a piece that goes beyond words.
“While walking back from Widnes to Runcorn late one night with the shadow of the death of a close friend hanging over us we decided to climb up high on to the ramparts of a local railway bridge across the river Mersey. When we reached the top we discovered a huge shipping bell which I decided to ring out in the middle of the night. It was such a powerful memory amidst the waves and the wind and the reflections from the chemicals plants and oil refineries. We felt that it was a fitting tribute to Richard.”
Colin M. Potter – Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist
Track Analysis
‘Mersey Bell’ is a musical piece that immediately stands out due to its unique structure, which is in constant ascension, gaining strength and energy as it develops. Gradually, new sonic elements are added, integrating seamlessly, maintaining its freshness from the beginning to its climactic finale.
The track begins softly and subtly, featuring only the deep sound of the bass guitar lines, the vibrant beats of the percussion, and a gentle acoustic guitar outlining the chords that shape this beautiful and moving composition. As the first chorus enters, the electric guitars make their appearance, but with a delicate 'overdrive' effect that delivers just the right amount of power and energy, effectively conveying its profound message.
However, from the second half of the song onward, it takes on a much more dynamic and colorful essence, as the guitars this time acquire a more distorted aura. This, along with the inclusion of the bell sound, fosters a greater sense of introspection and emotionality.
In addition to its distinctive structure, one of the most striking features of this composition is its highly contrasting vibe between sections. Through its unique and deliberate choice of chord progressions, ‘Mersey Bell’ maintains a constant ebb and flow, where a blend of nostalgia and joy effortlessly captivates the listener from start to finish.
It is impossible to overlook the prominent contribution of Helen Reynolds in the backing vocals and Paul McConnell, from Liverpool Band, on the bass guitar. Their participation elevates 'Mersey Bell' as one of the most compelling and captivating tracks within Blindness & Light's extensive discography, clearly showcasing the unique musical synergy that defines this collective.
It is worth noting that ‘Mersey Bell’ also stands out for its rich lyrical structure, which references various locations in England, transforming the experience from purely auditory to a vivid visual panorama where the listener can not only imagine but also visualize each scene of this thrilling narrative—something incredibly difficult to achieve, but if you're already familiar with their music, this has become an inherent part of Blindness & Light's magic.
This masterpiece not only honors the memory of their dear friend Richard, but also serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect moments, places, and emotions. ‘Mersey Bell’ transcends the sonic realm to become an eternal echo of those small, yet invaluable moments shared with the ones we love, now living in the delicate fragility of memory and heart.
If you enjoyed ‘Mersey Bell,’ we invite you to explore the complete discography of Blindness & Light, which is undoubtedly worth experiencing. You can find it at the following link. Also, don't forget to follow Blindness & Light on their social media to stay updated on the release date of their new album and be the first to hear it! Additionally, you can visit their online store, where you'll find exclusive merchandise: https://blindnesslight.bandcamp.com/merch.