Track of the Week: Curie // On Mercury

Performing under the name of On Mercury, US-based Spence deBry takes us on emotional journeys with his melodic tales. Drawing on the sounds of Jason Mraz, James Blunt and Ed Sheeran, Spence brings folk robustness to contemporary pop. Formed in 2018, this multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter has a few years behind him having released two albums along with several singles for our enjoyment. The latest addition to his well-received discography is the single ‘Curie’.

His fifth single to be released this year, ‘Curie’ is a bold ballad from one lover to another. In fact, the inspiration of ‘Curie’ is written as a fictional ode from Pierre Curie to his wife Marie Curie. Simplistic with the acoustic-inspired melody, Spence focuses on the power of his piano to share the tale of this wonderful woman. Moreover, the changes in pace with strong solos intensifies the intimacy of this dynamic story. As he says, “people want to be told stories and if they are set to music, even better”.

“The single ‘Curie’ was written after a visit to the Pantheon in Paris, France where the scientist Marie Curie is buried. Her coffin is encased in a lead shield due to the fact that her body is going to be radioactive for millennia. I couldn’t get that image out of my mind. In life, she was a wonder and in death still a shining star.” – On Mercury on ‘Curie’

Already a heartbreaking song, Spence enhances the poignancy with his rich and tender vocals. The dulcet tones offer a comforting warmth, but the reflective lyricism leans toward an overwhelming emphasis of Pierre’s utter adoration. A sonic representation of true love living beyond death, ‘Curie’ is the song every romantic would love to be connected to. Actually, I think ‘Curie’ connects us all in a dynamic, impassioned twirl of love in its purest form.