The Prayer Chain
Mercury
Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern
Here we have a very strong third effort from the Prayer Chain. The album begins with a track called "Humb," which seems to last forever. This track is a dramatic, perhaps ominous sounding, prologue, readying the listener for a gratifying alternative experience. This band has been a leader among Christian alternative bands, and this Steve Hindalong (the Choir) produced disc proves why. While remaining true to its original genre, Mercury is somewhat more dreamy than past Prayer Chain offerings, reminding me of anything but the troublesome car of the same name I once owned. At times, the bass guitar drones so low, I could swear James Earl Jones is humming along. This album is not all mellow, though. There are heavy tracks, many of which seem to be rather slow, yet nonetheless, heavy. I guess a good word would be "emotional." This album is not some plastic, "get every note right" piece of glam merchandise. Yet, the musicianship is exceptional. I was, and am continuing to be impressed. Nice piece, guys!