Album review: CRY FOR MERCY – This Machine

Bandcamp [Release date 04.04.25]

A new name for me, Cry For Mercy hail from North Wales and are a self styled ‘powerhouse trio’ consisting of Kev Plant on vocals and bass, Andy Cutty on guitars and Kev’s son, Aled, on drums and percussion. With ‘This Machine’, their third album, the band offer up a crisp and modern sounding dose of British Blues Rock that gives more than a passing nod to the classic rock bands of the 70s (although, contradicting the press release it’s more Whitesnake than Bad Company to these ears). Lovers of Scottish rockers, Gun will find plenty to admire here while I’m also struck by a definite Black Country Communion vibe.

Having taken a trip back through the previous releases it’s clear that the band are maturing as both songwriters and arrangers, embracing the opportunities offered by time in the studio, under the watchful eye of producer Ben McEwan. The result is a superb slice of rock, with Kev Plants excellent vocals dominating throughout while Cutty’s carefully crafted guitar always complimenting rather than over powering, even on the quieter songs. The Plants, Kev and Aled on Bass and drums respectfully provide a rock solid foundation for a outstanding 12 song set.

It’s great to hear the variety in those 12 songs, it’s so easy, especially within the blues rock genre to rinse and repeat, ad infinitum but, it’s not a trap Cry For Mercy fall into. From the hard hitters like ‘A Thing About Me’, ‘Saving Grace’ and ‘Let Me Be’ to more subtle stripped back numbers such as ‘Nothing At All’ and ‘This Time’ the quality simply doesn’t drop. Even so, there are some real stand out moments. ‘All My life’ has a distinctly commercial sound while ‘Walking With The Enemy’ builds around an insistent and mesmerising riff. Great stuff!

If you are a lover of all things Blues Rock you really cannot go wrong with ‘This Machine’. If, like me, Cry For Mercy have slipped under your radar, do yourself a favour and check this album out. I have a feeling this could be the breakout release the band deserve and I will certainly be looking out for the earliest opportunity to catch them live. ****

Review by Neil Pudney

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