London based Austrian-Brazilian songwriter Vanilla Jenner aka Viji will release a new EP called Cali on March 11 through Dirty Hit. Today she shares the lead single from the project, “Mercy”, saying:
“I was writing it as if you’re sitting there laughing at the world ending. People want atonement, but you’re not going to give it to them. You’re just having a great time like, ‘I’m not here to give you that’.”
“Mercy” bounces along with a buoyant beat, twangs of guitar flanking it on either side, presenting an image of a blissful evening strolling with mates. It’s only on inspection of the lyrics that you realise “the world’s on its 11th hour” – but Viji doesn’t care. She wants to find a good vantage point to watch the shit go down – and those of you are scared are prime targets for her lighthearted ribbing; you can hear her eyes roll as she drawls “it’s so dramatic”. It only gets more teasing in the irresistible chorus: “Oh why do you want mercy? / Do you feel guilty?” This lighthearted approach to the end of the world is infectious – especially paired with such a warmly breezy instrumental. Let’s hope the apocalypse really is this fun.
Watch the video for “Mercy” below or listen to it on streaming platforms.
Viji’s Cali EP comes out on March 11 through Dirty Hit. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
