Mermaid releases debut record ‘Iridescence’

The story of Brittany Campbell and Candace Quarrels, the duo behind Mermaid, is a tale of love, friendship and pure creative synergy. Originating from the Chicago production of award-winning musical Hamilton, their journey led them to forge a musical bond that sees them skip across styles and genres to deliver their shared sonic vision.

Now based in Los Angeles, Mermaid’s sound fuses elements of soul and R&B with diverse influences spanning alternative rock, jazz, punk, pop and even metal. Not only making waves with their sonic partnership, individually they’ve both shined since moving to the Californian city.

Brittany, having secured multiple TV and film sync deals, signed to Justin Tranter’s label, joining a roster that boasts acts like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Imagine Dragons. She also contributed most of the original songs featured on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount Plus. Candace, on the other hand, has graced all four North American companies of Hamilton, portraying each of the three Schuyler sisters over the past three years.

First unveiling their sound as Mermaid in 2019, they dropped their debut single with the demo of “Find Me.” Since then, they’ve shared a string of well-received singles that each offer a unique piece in the sonic puzzle of Mermaid.

Now they bring us their most ambitious release to date with the debut full-length record titled Iridescence, a name that reflects the myriad colours of life everything we experience. Released via the Fat Marker Records imprint, the new album features 13 tracks that showcase the full scope of their highly original and thoroughly enjoyable sound.

Opened by the intro track “Block 37,” the album kicks off with a smokey groove of gently pattering drums, hushed vocals that softly whisper, crafting an intimate lounge style jam to usher in the rest of the album. “Thrivin'” follows with its dazzling blend of velvet vocals and bright harp flutters, lulling you into a dreamy state before the snap of the beat brings the full sound with pulsing bass guitar lines and instantly catchy vocal lines, resulting in a slick indie R&B cut.

“Purr,” reveals Mermaid’s innovative sound with an intriguing intro of playful vocal rhythms before the strike of drums completely shifts the vibe to spin a moody alternative sound. Driven by a fiercely grooving swung rhythm and gritty guitar-led instrumentation, the track is lifted by Mermaid’s soulful vocal arrangement that oozing rock n’ roll swagger.

Other highlights on the record include “Disassociate” with its lively energy of spirited percussion, uptempo drums packed full of rolls and splashy cymbal work. It’s a raucous, storming indie rock anthem that showcases the electrifying intensity of Mermaid’s sound.

The album closes with “Wanna Be Your Lover,” kicked off with the gently punchy of drums, airy clean guitar tones, dynamic basslines and lofty vocal lines that all collide to create a sultry R&B outing. Serving up a superb display of Mermaid’s command of melody, as well as their songwriting talent and vocal panache, it’s a stellar finale to their sensational debut record.

Listen to Iridescence below