Mercy

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s work – and whole being – have always inhabited otherworldly realms; Mercy is no different. Three and a half years after Perry’s death, the album extends into new, experimental space, as a collaboration with 23 Skidoo drummer Fritz Catlin and, steering the project, multidisciplinary artist Peter Harris. Known for his visual art, Harris’ graphic vibrancy translates to his music. This is a captivating, sometimes complex, sonic collage, layering space, place and time. Album opener ‘Whale:Fisherman’ establishes this, beginning, improbably, with 16th-century song ‘Westron Wynde’, beautifully harmonised, somewhere between folk-choir and sea shanty. As Perry’s vocal incantations enter, underscored by industrial, feedback-like squeals, the track morphs into dubbed-out echoes of The Congos’ 1977 ‘Fisherman’, originally produced by Perry. References to earlier music appear throughout this record, deconstructing and rebuilding material into wonderfully diverse dub. Bound in beautiful, raw playfulness, alongside visions of fire and brimstone, Mercy reflects on the past and invokes the new; Perry’s distinctive voice resonates throughout.