Long Island multi-instrumentalist Dylan Taganas brings a fresh perspective to classic rock on ‘A Moon of Mercury’, a debut album shaped by musical reinvention, shifting influences and a desire to preserve songs from a significant chapter in his creative journey. Combining the spirit of rock’s golden eras with a distinctly modern edge, the record draws on an eclectic mix of hard rock, Britpop, indie, punk-metal, psychedelic pop and folk, showcasing an artist unafraid to explore different sounds while establishing his own identity as a songwriter and self-produced musician.
‘A Moon of Mercury’ is the culmination of several years of writing, recording and personal reflection. Much of its material originated during Taganas’ time with The Mercurys, the band he formed in 2022 before it unexpectedly disbanded in 2024 following musical and personal differences. Rather than allowing the songs to disappear with the group, Taganas returned to the original demos, reworking and re-recording material between 2024 and 2026 to create a cohesive body of work that reflects both where he has been and where he is heading.
The decision to revisit the songs was driven by a desire to preserve something that might otherwise have been lost. Describing the process as “repairing a hole in the ground that was left untouched for years”, Taganas recognised the importance of giving the material a life beyond its original context. “My band played most of the songs live, and if I don’t release these songs, who will remember them?” he explains, capturing the sense of absence and nostalgia that underpins the album.
Despite its personal origins, ‘A Moon of Mercury’ is far from a record confined to reflection. Its musical range gives the album an expansive, adventurous quality, with Taganas drawing on classic rock influences while bringing a contemporary sensibility to each arrangement. Thunderous opener ‘Rattle Stones’ immediately establishes the record’s energy, driven by fast-paced guitars, soaring solos and an infectious rock ’n’ roll spirit. Meanwhile, ‘Drained’ takes a more abrasive route, embracing punk-metal intensity, raw vocals and the heavier sounds of 70s and 80s rock.
Elsewhere, ‘Live Your Mind’ reveals a more melodic and introspective side to Taganas’ songwriting. Its jangling, Smiths-esque guitar work introduces a distinctly different atmosphere, demonstrating his ability to move between styles without losing the album’s underlying identity. It is this willingness to experiment, coupled with a clear affection for the foundations of guitar-driven music, that gives the record its character.
A particularly impressive aspect of ‘A Moon of Mercury’ is the level of creative independence behind its production. Entirely self-written, produced, recorded and mixed by Taganas, the album represents a hands-on approach to making music, allowing him complete control over its direction and sound. Mastering was handled by Darien Vega at Kurt’s Sound Studios, while the artwork features contributions from Sam San Roman, Lily Bosnick and Elizabeth Churchill.
Ultimately, ‘A Moon of Mercury’ is both a tribute to a significant chapter in Taganas’ musical journey and a statement of intent for what comes next. Preserving the work of a band that no longer exists, the album transforms unfinished business into something with renewed purpose. There is a compelling balance between the familiarity of classic rock influences and the freedom of a modern independent artist finding his own voice. For Dylan Taganas, this debut is not simply about looking back, but about taking the songs, experiences and memories that shaped him and building something entirely his own.
