Seattle-based power pop band Pansy is the band that nearly wasn’t. In 2021, Founding member Vivian McCall was moving to Seattle to focus on journalism. However, after releasing her home-recorded debut album (a lo-fi rock documentation of her life before, during and after coming out as trans), her music started to gain attention. Shortly after, she met guitarist Liz Perlman, drummer MJ Harbarger and bassist Syd Brownstone, and Pansy – the band – was born.
‘Mercy, Kill Me’ is taken from the band’s upcoming EP ‘Skin Graft’, and the band say the new single is an anthem about a catastrophic breakup that demanded reinvention.
From the first bar, there is a satisfying throwback sensibility. That intro reminded me of some classic ’90s pop-rock – ‘There She Goes’ by the La’s immediately sprung to mind – but this has much more grit and personality.
A full sound where guitars jangle, and sweet vocal harmonies fill the speakers, the whole thing pops like a party balloon. Vivian’s voice has character and a simple, clear tone – cutting through just enough.
I liked the tactile feel of the guitar solo & the build up to the outro – the repeating line “Now that she’s gone” has an extra little something on it, and a slight raspiness finds its way through.
Not afraid to write about deeply personal and momentous events in life, the raw honesty and emotion in Pansy’s lyrics are disarming, and – when combined with this jaunty catchiness – it’s a powerful combination!
Mercy, Kill Me is out now.
Written by Grubby
