Mercy Kelly releases new single “Breathe For Her”

Over the last few years, Mercy Kelly have been on the rise in the UK’s indie rock sphere, forged in the Greater Manchester area from the towns of Oldham, Heywood and Burnley. Atmosphere, emotion and melodic punch all fold into their sound, resulting in a winning formula that’s struck a chord with fans across the UK and beyond. Formed around the songwriting pairing of frontman Jack Marland and lead guitarist Adam Bridge, the project began as an acoustic partnership before expanding into a full quintet. With Joel Buckley on bass, Leon Hepke on drums and Jacob Simpson on rhythm guitar, the band found their complete lineup and an identity that translates equally well on record and in the live arena.

Since their impressive debut in 2021 with the single “Anymore,” Mercy Kelly have been building a reputation for songs that balance intimacy and scale, backed by an increasingly loyal fanbase won through grassroots gigs and festival appearances. During the last four years, they’ve delivered a catalogue that blends gothic textures with jangly guitars and emotive songwriting, gaining comparisons to arena-filling acts such as U2 and The Killers, but with a character all of their own.

July marked a key moment with the release of “Speak Too Soon,” recorded at Liverpool’s Kempston Street Studios with acclaimed producer Alex Quinn. The track showcased the group’s ability to channel their influences into something distinct, dark yet melodic, which they then brought to life on stage at Kendal Calling festival, confirming their growing reputation as a band capable of dazzling crowds by turning their recordings into an engaging live performance.

Now Mercy Kelly return with their brand new single titled “Breathe For Her,” laying down an anthemic dose of pop-tinged indie rock music. Recorded once again at Kempston Street Studios with Alex Quinn, the song sees the band exploring themes of love and life’s more sobering experiences, once again wrapped meaningful songwriting in an instantly catch sound with bags of wide appeal.

Brought in by the flutter of shimmering synth, the arrangement bursts with life with stacks of rustling drums, grooving bass lines and infectious lead guitar lines before simmering down as Jack’s alluring voice enters. Gliding above the pulse of bass and patter of drums as intricate flickers of atmospheric guitar notes shine, he threads memorable lines as the track surges into a spectacular chorus of sing-along hooks and invigorating instrumentation.

The profound context of the lyrics are framed in a hopeful sound to deliver an utterly intoxicating listening experience that’s guaranteed to connect with anyone who hears it. “Breathe For Her” forms part of a creative burst for the band, who spent the spring of 2025 working on new material with Alex Quinn. With plans to release two singles and an EP before the end of the year, the band are entering an important phase that’s set to expand their reach even further, with songs like the upcoming “Out in the Night” pointing towards a continued momentum of their artistic offering.

Listen to Breathe For Her below

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