Alternative music and major Christian music labels have never been the closest of chums. Modern rock accounts for a tiny fraction of CCM sales, which itself represents only 3% of the larger music market, and the larger Christian labels have repeatedly elected to remain financially solvent by pushing the music that sells. So it's with very little surprise that we find that the Prayer Chain's second full album has been released by Rode Dog Records (a subsidiary of Reunion Records), and not Reunion Records itself, the sponsor of their debut EP and first album. But if the Prayer Chain's latest effort represents the rest of the talent which their new label is amassing, we may soon find the Rode Dog nipping at the heels of the industry leaders. Mercury takes the band one step forward and one step sideways in its musical evolution.
Forward in the sense that this album builds lyrically and musically on the Shawl album. Sideways in the sense that they've moved out of the Nirvana tenement into the Pink Floyd neighborhood. Where Shawl was driven rhythmically by Andy Prickett's guitar, Mercury hands the reins over to drummer Wayne Everett and bassist Eric Campuzano, freeing Prickett to add color and mood with effects and single notes, a la The Edge or Andy Summers of The Police.
Prickett's recent work with My Brother's Mother leaks through in the generally slower nature of the songs on this album. Slower, but not necessarily mellow, and certainly not dull. "Creole" and "Bendy Line" could stand proud against anything on rock radio. The band branches further by entrusting the lead vocal on "Manta Ray" to Caryn Colbert instead of regular vocalist Tim Tabor.
The lyrics are a little more accessible this time around, the Christian message a little plainer. Where Shawl opened with the bizarre invitation to "crawl with me in this winter shawl," Mercury begins with a song taken from Psalm 136. But primary lyricist Campuzano keeps most of his message in the intriguing metaphors which characterized earlier PC albums. Producer Steve Hindalong contributes lyrics and melody to "Bendy Line," which takes the perspective of a seductive wolf stalking its prey. "I want to travel every bendy line from your throat to your heel," growls Tabor with Colbert backing. Curiously, almost every song uses the metaphor of the sun, water, or both.
Finally, it should be noted that these are long songs; the majority are in the 5-6 minute range, with two approaching 9 minutes. This epic length gives the band more time to play around with echoey feedback, as on U2's "All I Want Is You" or The Choir's "Restore My Soul." The Prayer Chain continues to be one of the most creative and legitimate alt-rock bands around. Major labels, are you listening?
Other coverage for this album
The Conqueror Worm Jun/Jul 1995Reviewed by argylleif you were hoping for a new p-chain album to chomp on this is not it. this is one to swish round for a while and get a good taste before you swallow and digest. (yes, i am eating right now.) it takes a while for this disc to get going "humb" the opener seems to take forever. i would say this is a bit more mellow than the previous one. it makes you wonder if their tour with starflyer 59 has…Heaven's Metal #53Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernHere we have a very strong third effort from the Prayer Chain. The album begins with a track called "Humb," which seems to last forever. This track is a dramatic, perhaps ominous sounding, prologue, readying the listener for a gratifying alternative experience. This band has been a leader among Christian alternative bands, and this Steve Hindalong (the Choir) produced disc proves why. While…Similar sounding releases
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