Mercy's Cartel, tlk and The Troubled Water

“From playing the double bass as a child to working with long-time friend and producer Dom Porter, Essex-born Mercy’s Cartel has grown up expressing herself through her music. Her songs – fresh R&B confessionals and witty, playful takes on modern frustrations – have gained critical acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing and, pre-pandemic, earned her early slots on festival bills from Standon Calling to Glastonbury.”- Grace Almond, The Forty-Five

Coming in full force with her full band setup, Mercy’s Cartel effortlessly floats between genre and cultural barriers. Her relatable, human lyricism breezes throughout a foundation of Afrobeats, R&B, and 80’s pop, unfurling and resonating with precise, and effortlessly poignant touches of melody.

Cruising through off the back of her 2020 single “Falling”, Mercy brings her electric live show to Dareshack for a celebratory evening that promises to be rhythmic, welcoming, and atmospheric in equal measure.

Opening the evening, we have a special one-off collaboration between some of Bristol's finest musicians in the form of The Troubled Water. Bassman Max Killing of Sedated Society and Chikaya joins with the heavy-hitting Finn Fraser King on the rhythm section; add the howling, soulful vocals of Keiron "Mr. Bon Suis" Dunne of the late Leftbank Jam Band and guitarist Reece Bluck's silky guitar work, and you have an ephemeral neo-soul soundclash you'd be sad to miss.

As main support, we welcome tlk, whose commitment to introspection in their artwork manifests in ways both visual and audible. Clad in white coats and evoking unity across multiple identities and tastes, tlk brings their full band experience to Dareshack in a special guest appearance. Expect soaring, ethereal vocal work floating on an undulating sea of swirling synths, wavy bass and choppy beats, looping the listener into textures at once electronic, intense, and ultimately, deeply intimate.

Ages 18+.