Imagine Dragons- Mercury Acts 1 & 2 (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 29 June 2022

Alternative rock band Imagine Dragons present their double-length fifth album, 10 years on from when they crash-landed onto the scene with their groundbreaking debut Night Visions.

In Act 1, Follow You details Reynolds’ reunion with his wife, whereas Wrecked is about the death of his sister-in-law from cancer. Soundtrack single Enemy is the most commercially successful, while album track Lonely is a fun, playful tune. However, heavier offerings Dull Knives and Cutthroat are the standouts. Dull Knives features heavy guitar and Cutthroat includes some innovative sounds, with both containing screamo vocals.

Act 2 opens with Bones, an instant hit as it blends catchy piano with harsh vocals on the pre-chorus refrain. Sharks is also very catchy and Blur brings a particular energy. The latter end of the album contains several slower tracks; Waves is a deeply personal song focusing on the suicide of Reynolds’ friend and the guilt and responsibility he feels for not having been there and Ferris Wheel is a particularly sweet and romantic tale, though the songs do tail off towards the back.

Overall, this lengthy project sees the Dragons continue to put out their fabulously unique music to the world.

9/10