THE MERCURY PROGRAM

THE MERCURY PROGRAM
ALL THE SUITS BEGAN TO FALL OFF (2001)
320 KBPS

An excessively rich and gorgeous five-song EP from the Mercury Program, who are growing to become recognized as one of the most ingenious and talented bands active today. All the Suits Began to Fall Off shows a remarkable progression from their first full-length, From the Vapor of Gasoline, as their songwriting has become more tactful, interesting, and therefore effective. The bare traces of vocal stylings found interlaced in previous efforts have been completely removed, allowing the music to bloom more on its own.

1. The Secret to Quiet
2. There Are Thousands Sleeping in Peace
3. Marianas
4. Undiscovered Genius of the Mississippi Delta
5. Delicate Answer

A DATA LEARN THE LANGUAGE (2002)
320 KBPS

The third album by Florida-based quartet Mercury Program is a small departure, eliminating vocals entirely and adding electronics for the first time to what had previously been a richly acoustic, almost jazzy sound. The band is still centered around Whitney Travisano's electric piano and vibraphone (guitarist Tom Reno and drummer Dave LeBleu also add vibes to several songs), which gives A Data Learn the Language a cool, mellow feel, like the Sea and Cake reinterpreting their favorite Modern Jazz Quartet sides. The electronics and loops are introduced sparingly, supporting the eight lengthy songs and adding new and interesting textures, but never becoming the center of musical attention. A Data Learn the Language will be of no interest to those who find instrumental post-rock insufferably dull, but it's consistently melodic, rhythmically varied, and unfailingly listenable. Coctails and Tortoise fans take note.

1. Tequesta
2. Fragile or Possibly Extinct
3. Slightly Drifting
4. Egypt
5. To/From Iceland
6. You Yourself Are Too Serious
7. Gently Turned on Your Head
8. Sultans of el Sur