Hey Mercedes

Album review

Featuring Robert Nanna, Damon Atkinson , and Todd Bell, all members of the emotional and angular rock powerhouse Braid, as well as newcomer Mark Dawursk, Hey Mercedes started off with a comfortable niche all set for them to slip into. On their debut EP, the Chicago foursome can occasionally be heard dropping into a bit of that same groove their last project dwelled on, but at the same time Hey Mercedes has a more flowing rock sound and a more immediately catchy idea and use of melody. The four songs that grace their first release are powerful harmonious rockers, and Nanna's croon, while at times reminiscent of Jawbox's J. Robbins, is a hearty and believable addendum to the already enjoyable music. Complete with tight stops, complex drumming, and engaging song structures, tracks like "Bells" and "Stay Six" take the already memorable style that defined Braid and add an even more pop-oriented feel to the proceedings. The result is a snapshot of a new band dealing with their past and making some serious headway with a sound they already helped to define. Hey Mercedes' first EP may only contain four tracks, but there isn't a bad one in the batch and they all have the ability to become memorable after only a few listens.

© Peter J. D'Angelo /TiVo