Suffield Indie/Folk Rock Trio Plays in Hamden Wednesday

A rock band formed and based in Suffield is travelling to Hamden Wednesday for an inexpensive, four-band show.

Mercies was formed in 2009 by singer, songwriter and guitarist Josh Rheault and drummer and collaborator Sammy Dent, according to Mercies’ Facebook page. The duo, along with family and friends, renovated an unused tobacco barn in Suffield in fall 2010 and winter 2011 for use as a recording studio.

Dent and Rheault, who both graduated Suffield High School in 2002, were featured in this Associated Press story about the creation of the band's first album. Mercies recorded that first album, Three Thousand Days, amidst the reconstruction of the barn with extra takes held at Dent's home in Massachussetts.

The band, which became a trio with the addition of bassist Jordan Flower, recently recorded a second effort, an EP entitled The Ballet. It will be released on March 27.

Two tracks from the EP, “Music for a Ballet: Light” and “Music for a Ballet: Dark,” form a composition that will be performed by the Charlottesville Ballet, a ballet dance company based in Charlottesville, VA.

Mercies compares its sound to contemporary bands including Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Department of Eagles, according to the band’s Facebook page. Influences include Gene Pitney, The Beatles and Chet Atkins. The band’s overall sound is characterized as a mix of indie rock and folk rock.

Check out the YouTube video attached to this article of Mercies performing “Sleep,” the second song from Three Thousand Days. Visit the band’s YouTube page for more music videos, live performances and behind the scenes footage. Mercies has more songs available for free listening and complete albums available for sale at its website.

Mercies takes the stage at popular local music venue , located at 295 Treadwell Street, Hamden, on Wednesday. The band will share the stage with three other bands at a show for those 18 years of age and older. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the door. The show has a start time of 7 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 9 p.m.