The Mercers

Giant (Victim)

Bolstered by the melodic brooding of Peter Wagner, the Mercers’ second seven-song platter following their 2007 debut LP, Pretty Things Walk, strikes as the local quartet’s most potent yet. Tempering their previous rock surges without compromising the power, Giant reins in to let go. Wagner’s gritty, understated vocals fall somewhere between Micah P. Hinson and Damien Jurado, with a cumulative effect of steel guitar on songs such as opener “Laredo,” which rings of fellow Austinites Mice & Rifles. The percussive bruise driving “A Seat on the Starla” and seven-minute surge of “Gamblers” drill down with a weight commensurate to the lyrical heft, while “Abattoir” and “NGO” turn poppier inflections over stunted chords and uneasily treaded yelps. “The Alton Giant” splits the balancing difference with anthemically rolling crescendos. Exposing a darker versatility beyond their previous efforts, the Mercers ultimately recall another Wagner and co. – Lambchop – one beginning to carve their own effective course.

***.5

This article appears in June 25 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.