Search - Mercury Program :: From the Vapor of Gasoline

An Amazing Balance

02/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following the Mercury Program for some time now, and I must say this is one of the best albums waxed by the group. The Vapor of Gasoline contains a delicate balance of power and ambience. The talent of the band is very obvious through the music. Infact, it hits you with a hammer. No matter what genre of music you prefer, anyone can appreciate the vibraphone and guitar that help define the particular sound on the album.Everyone agrees that this band is a particular sound that originated from Gainesville Florida. (Some say a mix of emo- Sunny Day Real Estate, crossed with the Jam capabilities of Phish). I've witnessed live Mercury Program shows and they never have ceased to amaze me with their intensity and talent. Each member brings a particular and important part to the album. The vocalist/guitarist has a mathmatical approach to composing the sounds. He is surrounded by one of the best drummers you haven't heard of, with an organist and bassist (who happen to be brothers) who secure the beautiful rock melodies that leave all listeners in awe.Songs built on a foundation of instrumental math can't go wrong."

I can't even tell you how good this is

J. Cooper | Milwaukee, WI | 02/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend introduced me to TMP's debut s/t album on boxcar records. I was instantly blown away..I remember driving home late at night (he lived 6 hours away) and listening to the s/t cd (which he had burned for me)..and rocking out. From the Vapor of Gasoline definitely picks up where the last one left off. Although they have left a lot of the minimalism behind. Added now is a full time vibes player..which is absolutley incredible to listen to. For those unfamiliar with the mercury program they are essentially a combination of darker sounds ala "June of 44" with some of the mathiness of "Tortoise" with the spoken vocals of "Slint". In my opinion this band is the exact opposite of "Aloha" (who also uses a vibes player) but is more of a jazz pop band (they are also excellent). However the Mercury Program come at you with dissonant jazz rocking guitars, heavy fat bass lines and complex drums. Anyway..if you like anything post-rock...this must surely be your next purchase."

Tortoise and the hare

IRate | 03/22/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"3 1/2



Instrumentation was starting to fall into place, though MP still had an album or so to go until the consistently great percussion would truly align with all that vibraphone goodness. While a few songs stumble in the ongoing process of rectifying that equation, FTVOG remains almost completely listenable and often compelling."