Mercury Rev - The Secret Migration

keepers -2
For this band that evolved from psychedelic pop to old Disney soundtrack rock, I would think they would find the bottom of the twee well by now. "Secret For A Song" augments this a bit with heavy drums, and "Across Yer Ocean"**** has the bouncy bass of the Lips on Yoshimi and a meandering chorus to keep it interesting. The short interlude "Moving On"**** is immediately striking for heavily layered vocals as opposed to Donahue's squeak. But judging from songs like "Vermilion" and "The Climbing Rose", Donahue wants to rock again, though it isn't his strong suit. The overall result is a pleasant cartoon version of Snow Patrol and Keane, getting overly precious in the middle with "In the Wilderness" and "In A Funny Way". "Arise" is an interesting throwback to the noisy days before V2, though not as strong as the best from that era. But after this "First-Time Mother's Joy" and "Down Poured The Heavens" lead down the trail to sleepy time.

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