“It’s about the powerless one has over the concept of mortality, and the brutal, gruelling hunt for acceptance and closure in the wake of a grievance.” Deadletter frontman Zac Lawrence is telling us the story behind the London band’s latest track, Mere Mortal. A song born from personal tragedy following the suicide of a close friend, the lyrics tell of navigating the difficult experience of bereavement unique to every individual. Mere Mortal is also the lead single from the band’s newly-announced debut record, Hysterical Strength, which will be released 13th September via SO Recordings.

Filmed by photographer and filmmaker Laurence Hills, the track’s accompanying music video is set in a smokey neo-noir world, lit by spotlights outlined by cigarette smoke – think if Jean-Pierre Melville was from London’s East End. Here, the band (styled exclusively in Celine) depict a story of a community brought together by the loss of a loved one; grieving and grooving in the same step. “We wanted there to be a haunting essence of funereally,” Lawrence tells us, “whilst also depicting the idea of togetherness, unity, and community.”

The track itself echoes the visuals; a dark and imposing sound, led by frenzied saxophone, contorting riffs and chanting harmonies. Formed as life-long friends, the band – Zac Lawrence, Alfie Husband and George Ullyott, and Poppy Richler, Sam Jones and Will King – have become a leading fixture on the London gig circuit, celebrated for their visceral live shows and distorted jazz club sound. Watch the Mere Mortals video here alongside stills and an exclusive BTS photo diary.

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