SOTD #155 // ANR: 'The Endless Field Of Mercury'

There is an intentional sense of ambiguity layered within ‘The Endless Field Of Mercury,’ the new track from the Miami based duo ANR. What do you make of a title like that, exactly? It’s dense and elusive, just like the slow-burning track itself, which gradually reveals its simmering heart amidst a dynamic rhythm, soaring keyboards and an angelic chorus that gently elevates the listener after the somber, plaintive start. It represents the slow, painful process of piecing your life back together after the girl doesn’t need you anymore, a heartbreaking concept that anyone can identify with even if you don’t have any real idea where Awesome New Republic are coming from (guilty as charged).

But whereas a lot of music that comes out of Florida (Surfer Blood excluded) seems to lack a lot of easily accessible sentiment and emotion, ANR have instead crafted a smoldering love song that never sounds forced or saccharine, with hopeful, auspicious sounds billowing out of the deep, painful recesses of anguish. The band asks poignantly “Where you gonna go when the world don’t need you?” at the start of the track, and it soon becomes clear that the song manages to form its own reassuring answer to that tricky question, as the duo manage to create something beautiful out of their desolation and despair. The comfort and solace provided by good music can become a sanctuary in the midst of any darkening squall, and as this track picks up in both energy and spirit, the sorrow is forgotten in exchange for the promise of renewal and hope. All of this passion packed in just under three minutes? Song of the day, indeed.

ANR: ‘The Endless Field Of Mercury’