Mercury Program - All the Suits Began to Fall Off EP
(Tiger Style)

In any case, there is nothing better than hearing a good band get even better. Just as From the Vapor of Gasoline (also on Tiger Style records) was a progressive improvement from their first, self-titled record (on Boxcar records), All the Suits Began to Fall Off finds the Mercury Program having made strides in terms of both musicianship and songwriting. Overall, the record has a more mature, complex feel to it; a broader range of emotional color and a good balance in atmosphere and texture. Whereas the Mercury Program started out as a qausi-mathy band (à la June of '44) but with an eye towards atmospherics (like Karate, back when they were good) and a vibraphone, they have evolved into a more unique entity. Though this will likely result in a greater proliferation of the use of the work "jazz" in descriptions of their music, the Mercury Program is, if not still decidedly rock, definitely not Tortoise or from Chicago.

Tracks like "The Secret to Quiet" and "There Are Thousands Sleeping in Peace" find the band moving further away from the traditional rock band set up, but allowing other instruments--vibraphone and electric piano respectively--to share the lead with Tom Reno's increasingly spare and abstract guitar lines. These songs are not too generally dissimilar from other Mercury program songs, but show an increased sensitivity to balance and space, an understanding of when to hold it back and when to let it loose. "Marianas" pushes this even further as all three lead instruments--guitar, vibesi, and electric piano--play simultaneously in quick series, interlocking into sparkling sheets. It's an ambitious track and a beautiful piece of music that flows in waves. Of particular note on this record is Sander Travisano's bass and Dave Lebleu's drumming, each of which are able to, like all great rhythm sections, make each instrument track interesting enough to stand out but still work within the context of the group. This is showcased on record's best track, "Undiscovered Genius of the Mississippi Delta." Each song on this record shows the effort the band has put into crafting their songs.

A shorter record of high quality songs is always a better release than a longer record stuffed with mediocre filler. One of the worst effects CDs have had on music is the ability of bands to cram them full of over an hour's worth of songs. Back when vinyl ruled the day, to go much over 45 minutes required a second record and a significant increase in price. The albums got the best songs, and the rest were rightly relegated to b-sides. Thus, kudos to a band who knows how to put out the good stuff and cut out the rest. All the Suits Began to Fall Off is 31 minutes of good music.

dave christensen 2001 apr 13