Search - Mercury Rev :: Snowflake Midnight

New turns with old spins

John M. Powell | Vermont | 11/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mercury Rev can always be sure to try new things. Their ethereal, magical, ambient sound transcends each record of theirs, but Snowflake Midnight is unafraid to experiment with sound like the Rev have never done before.



With only nine songs, you think you may not be getting your money's worth, but in every tune (except maybe October Sunshine which is a whatever kind of instrumental), the effort they invested is so raw that you revel in the noise. Orchestration, brilliant synth use, and beautiful mixing that isn't over-production, just smart- elevates the songs to that Wonderland Grasshopper and the rest of Mercury Rev seem to walk in, as if they live there, returning for short periods to our realm to write songs about their adventures.



Fans, be prepared for longer, drawn out songs with less (although more focused, surely) vocals. Be prepared for less guitar work.



For newbies: this record, like most Mercury Rev records, takes several listens before you get it. On the first, you hear songs you think you like, but maybe aren't sure why. Well, put it on headphones, walk around in the snow at midnight, and you'll see, this band makes magic."

Somewhat New Terrain for Mercury Rev

C. S. Willey | Los Angeles | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must say that I did not find Secret Migration a mistake/strange detour for Mercury Rev. That album was a bit unexpected from me after All is Dream, but it has since turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. It's dreamy, sweet, honest, and the songwriting is absolutely top-notch. Snowflake Midnight is the logical progression. It's challenging, at least after the first few listens, but it mellows and warms over time. The rhythms are at times machine-like and abrupt, but the song structures are quite unique in that they develop as layers over the usual 5 minute mark. There are some great melodies hidden here, believe it or not. It takes a while to hear them.



Make no mistake, this is no Deserter's Songs, but it is something else--another experiment with new techniques and sounds. It's subtle and trippy with an allure that only Mercury Rev are capable of.

I think this is a good direction for the band. It's great to see them trying something new. And why many, including the LA Weekly who've called the CD a clunker, aren't so convinced of the band's new direction, I feel this is a new chapter for Mercury Rev. I just hope they keep making records like the last 4."

Bunny Pop

Greg Kinne | midwest | 07/09/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"`Snowflake Midnight' is an aural existential trip through the senses. On Mercury Rev's 7th album, Mercury Rev ups the ante with their sound on this outing. The first great album since `Deserter's Songs'; Mercury Rev sounds refreshed and exploratory. Preferring a more textural sound, `Snowflake Midnight' is the most electronic album of the band's career. Synths bubble effectively in the background, and Jonathan Donahue's vocals sound as dreamy as ever. The songs on Snowflake Midnight are full of beautiful atmospherics and there is no filler. Concise at 41 minutes, Mercury Rev reveal these dreamscapes slowly and effectively but also know that sometimes less is more. Most songs seem overjoyed at the concept of nature as the album is filled with imagery of butterflies, raindrops, rabbits, and squirrels. I should mention that the companion piece to this album, `Strange Attractor' will be available as a download on the day of release for free. I can't wait."