North-eastern tykes 46 Itchy split up. Members go separate ways and start new bands. One such band plays gritty melodic punk rock that has roots firmly in their native Sunderland. Band play a few gigs and record two-track demo. Welcome The Mercury League. In what could possibly be Punktastic's shortest ever review, here is the full SP on what these northerners have to offer. TML are as far removed from 46 Itchy as you could be - gone is the ska and general chirpyness and in its place is a gritty Joe Ninety-esque melodic punk sound. There are two tracks currently down on CD and both bode well for the future. 'Two Days In One Year' has a huge chorus and driving guitars, while 'Stripping Boots' has some fantastic dual vocal shouty bits alongside the thumping drums. While it's nothing particularly new, both tracks are done well and have a real British slant to proceedings - something sure to please the purists. And that's it really, The Mercury League seem to have found a rather nice niche and a proper release will certainly be welcomed with open arms. A band to watch out for this year...
www.themercuryleague.co.uk
Paul
