Rock/Review Mercy Kelly - Out in the Night

Mercy Kelly is the Greater Manchester 4-piece formed during the winter of 2019, channeling a stirring mix of Chameleons-esque guitar sounds and stadium-sized melodies. Originally starting out as an acoustic songwriting partnership between frontman Jack Marland and lead guitarist Adam Bridge, the group gradually morphed into its current incarnation with new members Thomas Mullen and Connor Byrne joining on bass and drums, respectively.

With “Out in the Night,” Greater Manchester indie outfit Mercy Kelly deliver a moody, anthemic single that captures the restless spirit of youth with striking clarity. Inspired by escape, uncertainty, and the pull of the unknown, the track feels like a late-night drive with the windows down—equal parts hope and hesitation, freedom and doubt.

Now re-emerging as a four-piece, Mercy Kelly sound revitalized and focused. “Out in the Night” pulses with urgency, driven by chiming guitars, a steady, propulsive rhythm section, and vocals that balance vulnerability with defiance. There’s a sense of movement throughout the song, as if it’s constantly pushing forward, mirroring the emotional tension of wanting more while not knowing what comes next.

What truly defines the track is the band’s unmistakable northern grit. Mercy Kelly blend raw indie energy with romantic lyricism, crafting an anthem that feels both grounded and aspirational. The chorus is built for communal singalongs, yet it never feels hollow or overly polished. Instead, it carries an honesty that suggests lived experience rather than manufactured nostalgia.

Lyrically, “Out in the Night” speaks to moments of escape—those fleeting hours when everything feels possible, even if clarity remains just out of reach. It’s this emotional ambiguity that gives the song its depth and replay value.

Rather than a comeback, “Out in the Night” sounds like a reaffirmation of identity. Mercy Kelly aren’t chasing trends; they’re reclaiming their voice, proving that their anthemic instincts and emotional core remain intact. This single doesn’t just mark a return—it signals a confident new chapter.