The Mercury Tree - Self Similar (2023)

THE MERCURY TREE released their most recent album in 2011 ''Pterodactyls''. The band started in 2004 from a solo project of Ben SPEES (vocals, guitars, keyboards), then became a full band in 2006 with the addition of James CRUTCHER (bass) and Avery COOPER (guitar) and Mike BYRNE (drums). In 2007, they released their first self-titled album. Then, some members went on different projects; one was Mike, the drummer, for the reformation of SMASHING PUMPKINS. A new lineup was made with Liz KUHN (flute) and Alan JOHNSON (bass). In 2010, Connor REILLY was the new drummer providing his heavy progressive influence. After 3 years Alan was replaced by Aaron CLARK on bass.

The band's sound leans towards a spacey, jam oriented, shoegaze mood, with more use of live looping and keyboards, which can be heard with their latest album Freeze in Phantom Form, from 2012. More improvisation have been used in this album, which allow the band to explore some new sounds and the result is impressive. The band is now playing with a more experimental sound, a bit in the vein of RADIOHEAD, with some effects added to the instruments. The heavy guitar riffs are present and their some spacey interludes to create a unique sound of heavy progressive, post-rock. The band have been also influenced by PORCUPINE TREE; at times you think it's STEVEN WILSON that sings.