From Austin, TX, The Mercers
defy conventional classification. Calling them one of the Òbest unsigned bands
in AmericaÓ, Esquire Magazine describes their sound as Ò[sitting] at the shady
crossroads of swagger and sensitivityÓ. The band has shared the stage with acts
ranging in diversity from Spoon to GovÕt Mule to Ghostland Observatory, The
Felice Brothers, Bob Schneider and What Made Milwaukee Famous.
As evidenced by its critical
acclaim, The MercersÕ 2007 debut, ÒPretty Things WalkÓ, pushed the band into
visibility underneath the ever-increasing spotlight of Austin's indierock
community, and performances at various local venues continued to develop its
fanbase.
In 2008, however, the
Mercers turned inward for the entirety of the year to concentrate on the
maturation of its sound, which included the tasks of building its own studio,
collecting its own gear, and recording the follow-up material entirely on its
own. Mixed by Resonate StudioÕs Louie Lino (best known for his work with Nada
Surf and Matt Pond PA), and mastered by Steve Fallone (TV on the Radio, Sonic
Youth), the result of these sessions were two EPs, Hovercraft, released in July 2009, and Giant, released in April 2010. The new Mercers material
combines wildly varied influences to create an epic, modern pop voice.
The band is currently
recording and digitally releasing new music to their fans each month, along
with artwork, video and other material.
Some Press:
ÒLead singer Peter Wagner is
blessed with voice that will house your entire imagination: move on in and have
a look around, thereÕs room here for all your things.Ó
– the Deli Magazine
ÒThe Mercers manage to craft
a sound that lies somewhere between the picture-perfect sheen of The Shins and
the driving power of The Who.Ó
– AustinSound.net
"Tempering their previous rock surges without compromising the power, Giant reins in to let go." 3.5 Stars