Mercury in Summer
Vienna, Virginia, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Can You Feel It?
Mercury in Summer
Independent
It was explained to me that great music is like chocolate ice cream. You don’t have to think about why you like it, you know immediately that you do. Mercury in Summer’s “Can You Feel It?” rushes from the beginning with a sound as bright as the band’s name. Each instrument pulses with a vibrancy rarely found in independent music.
In a rarely well-executed move, Mercury in Summer balances outstanding musicianship and technical ability with concise and memorable songwriting. A few King’s X-esque vocal harmonies add hidden, extended depth to an EP blessed with songs a lesser band would have banked an entire album upon.
If there’s any complaint to make, it’s in the album’s mixing. The omnipresent and likely unintended distortion from each of the tracks betrays the high quality and talent in this band. If this EP got remixed to a tolerable volume, this would be as good as anything comes in the pop rock genre. If this is the sort of thing you can overlook, get this EP. The more time you’re spending reading this review is time you’re not spending listening to this gem.
--Brian LaCour - The Towson Towerlight
Discography
Mercury in Summer EP - 2009
"Can You Feel It?" EP - 2010
"I Believe" EP - 2010
Mixtape #1 - 2011
Photos
Bio
Mercury in Summer is a three piece rock band from the D.C. area. Their music speaks for itself; high energy, catchy songs with a musical flair that at times recalls the grooves of Michael Jackson, the vocal harmonies of the Four Freshmen, and the instrumental fluidity of Return to Forever. “Wait, those aren’t rock bands!” you might say; and yes you’re correct. But Mercury in Summer is.
Tip-toeing the line between familiar and strange, fans say that Mercury in Summer seems to effortlessly incorporate other genres into their style. And you’ll be saying the same thing, especially after seeing them live.
Richard Wynne (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Brendan McCusker (Drums, Vocals), and Brian Jones (Bass, Vocals) don’t get up on stage to “play the record” - no, they put on a show. One filled with riveting improvisation, a non-stop arsenal of killer songs, and arrangement embellishments to keep the audience out of their seats and on their feet. After seeing their show, you may end up asking yourself when the last time was that you saw a band that wasn’t only “as good” as their CD, but even better in concert; like Mercury in Summer.
Their highly anticipated release “I Believe” has been a huge success, recorded by famed engineer/producer Dave Way (Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney), and sagaciously guided by executive producer John Molo (Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Phil Lesh and Friends, John Fogerty).
Yes, things have been going pretty well for Mercury in Summer lately; considering their recent airplay on DC101 and 98 rock, trips around the U.S. to play festivals exceeding 17,000 attendees (Gathering of the Vibes), and a surge of interviews from college radio and newspapers a like. Fans and listeners a like agree, this band has it. But the one thing everybody is wondering is “What’s next for Mercury in Summer?”
Members:
Brian Jones - Bass, Vocals
Brendan McCusker - Drums, Vocals
Richard Wynne - Lead Vocals, Guitar
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