Mercury Rev - Secret Migration

It all started in 1991 with the release of 'Yerself Is Steam', a masterpiece of swashing head-rush psychedelia and acid-esque guitar drones, hippy instruments and tracks that seemed to last an eternity. This inspiring, hedonistic direction went on to see the band recording the 'See You On The Other Side' and 'Boces' albums, and spawning such class singles as 'Carwash Hair' and 'Bronx Cheer'.

After several members departed, the remaining group returned in 1998 with the classic 'Deserter's Songs', in which the band ditched their former angle and replaced it with melancholic, epic songs comprising of wood & wind instruments and frail lyricism. Even the dark, broody artwork suited the mood of the album and the band's current attitude flawlessly. The follow-up, 'All Is Dream' furthered this new approach, but replaced the sinister, depressed undertones with a DayGlo Disney style production and big band bravado sound. Singles were real pop potential, even soundtracking adverts and could be heard on daytime radio.

Now this new album carries on exactly where 'All Is Dream' left us, it features rehashed riffs, a huge orchestra, the same elf-like vocals of Jonathan Donahue and the same uplifting Summery melodies we know all too well. Nothing new is offered and any one of the songs could have easily hand picked from the band's last long-player. 'The Secret Migration' doesn't contain bad songs, on the contrary, the music is well-written, excellently produced and tune-wise, it can rival some of their most epic moments. It's just Mercury Rev have now become too safe, predictable and sound like a group relying too heavily on an approach they know is well-recieved. Which, doesn't suit the experimental, care-free attitudes of their first line-up. The latest tracks also lack substance, missing greatly the genuine emotional qualities of say, 'Goddess On A Highway' or 'Holes'.

Maybe it's time the Rev lost a few more members and opted for reinvention again, as it is questionable as to how long the band can continue to release similar-sounding music for yet another long-player. Until then, it's still a pleasant release and worth a few listens if only to brighten up a miserable January day. However, only long-term fans will look back to the album time and time again.