Search - Mercury Program :: Data Learn Language

Ever so solid!

tlmseven | Bergenfield, NJ | 06/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Categorized under the Post-Rock genre, the Mercury Program accomplishes with merely four bandmembers what initially sounded to me to be somewhat of a mini-orchestra, to tell you the truth - especially on the massive album-closer "Sultans of El Sur" - my goodness! What they have done is developed a smoother edge to their music than was present in their previous albums, and have produced an album that is, comprehensively, extremely addictive.I've read many people describe their music as repetitive (sort of negatively), but I would say that the repetitive aspect of their music is what is necessary for the listener to enter into the trance-like state that Mercury Program's music so beckons the listener into. Vocals are never necessary; the musicians speak a language of their own - a language that I so perfectly understand but can never articulate to another.One must be mindful to every subtlety their music has to offer - from Dave Lebleu's precise and highly-technical drumming, and Tom Reno's delay-laden and cleverly manipulated ethereal guitar, to Whit Travisano's precious, overlapping Rhodes and Sander Travisano's perfectly-timed bass foundation. Throughout each song, one gains much from listening to carefully to the various movements of each instrument, inevitably diving into the stream. I have seen Mercury Program live in Brooklyn, and if they are ever in your town, please do check them out. You will be astounded at the things these four dudes from Gainesville, Florida can pull out of their instruments."

Excellent travel music

antisocialist | Raleigh, North Carolina United States | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Long drive? Put in some Merc, set the cruise, and listen to the miles disappear. The rhythms are perfect for the interstate, focusing attention on the near and far. The faster songs draw your eyes to the lines and signs as they zip you along through traffic. The slower songs draw your attention to the gradual change of scenery as you pass through the countryside. The melodies are absorbing and somehow manage to change or climax just as you crest a big hill and begin speeding down the other side. Watch for cops.Flying? Merc is ultimate "flying at night" music. The combination of reverbed electric guitar, piano and vibraphones can be cold and spacious at times, giving a sense of the distance to all those little lights way down there on the ground.I still can't put the name to many of their songs when I hear them. The song titles are sometimes odd and instrumental music is difficult to associate with titles, anyway. I don't mind. That keeps it mysterious. Besides, who would want to know everything about someone by the first date?"

High caliber fusion with minimalist loops: love it!

Manny Hernandez | Bay Area, CA | 02/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These four guys from Gainesville, FL totally rock! I stumbled upon their music thanks to a friend at work and I am happy for it. Mercury Program does a blend of rock fusion (with some EP sounds that bring back soundscapes of the sixties-seventies) with minimalist repetitions of themes aided by the use of a very unconventional instrument in rock: the Vibraphone, which is bounced among three of the foursome, giving their sound a very Harold Budd-like flavor at times.If you need to relate them to someone else, think Sigur Ros, but less obscure, a little more accessible and with fusion elements quite like Godspeed You Black Emperor. Still, Mercury Program have a pretty unique (and almost hypnotizing) sound to them that stands out in today's post-rock world. Check 'em out: you will not be dissapointed!"