I’ve put off explaining this record as long as I could. What can be said about grief? There is no word or sentence to explain what accompanies the loss of someone you love. Mercury act 1 was primarily focused on the shock of losing a loved one. The immediate feeling of emptiness. Something that was of great worth to you is now gone, and the pain left in its wake is overwhelming. Do you attempt to fill it with something else? Do you try to forget it? You can’t forget it. You can’t replace it. Mercury act 2 focuses primarily on life after loss. What now? Life must continue. You have obligations to fulfill. People to take care of. A job. A life of your own. I imagine those who have passed on want nothing more than for us to carry on with more presence of mind. More gratitude. More living! Mercury act 2 is about living. Not forgetting, but rather - carrying on with a new sense of being. A new sense of urgency. Recognition of the finite. My only hope is that this record brings you some sense of peace. What a funny word that is. Peace. A place that seems impossible to reach. But still, a place I strive to reach every day. Maybe that’s the point. We never reach it. Maybe we just move closer to it each day. I guess I just hope it brings you a little closer to it. This record is not about death, but rather, life. May every day be your best. May this record bring you joy. I hope it does. It has brought me joy. And you bring me joy. Thank you for listening for all these years. Sending you all my love. XDR