Optimism Abounds On Mercury Rev’s Latest

Mercury Rev drummer Jeff Mercel spoke with Australia’s Time Off magazine about the much touted notion that their new album ‘The Secret Migration’ is a step away from the ominous mood that dominated their previous offerings. “I never considered our older material to be sinister but I understand what people mean,” Mercel said. “There’s certainly an optimism or buoyant or light quality to the new record that maybe wasn’t quite as present on albums past. That’s all to do with situations that we were going through and who we were as people at those moments. It’s only natural that there should be a change. It’s not always easy to get perspective on where you are. The songs on this new record are still wriggling around and eluding our grasp here and there.”