SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

"See You On The Other Side" is often seen as a transition album by fans. It's a steer away from the group's old psyche sound and nothing like "Deserter's Songs" which came along three years later. It's more symphonic than before. I've been thinking of ways to describle the music here but it isn't an easy task.

There's a nice mix of mellow and melodic rhythms with a large use of angular, even angry guitars as well as some subtle, sophisticated saxophone and synthesiser touches which create a bubbling stew of spaced out ambient rock. It is quite inspiring and requires some repeated listens. The songwriting is dark and extremely intriguing here too, (including some funny track names,) Listen to the delicious "Everlasting Arm" and the strange "A Kiss From An Old Flame (A Trip To The Moon)". The opening "Empire State" is also a highlight and I just love "Sudden Ray Of Hope" and "Racing The Tide".

For me, this is Mercury Rev at their experimental best, blending indie, pop, rock, ambient, avante-garde, trance, blues, punk and psychedelic music. Overall, this is difficult to fault. some of the bloated guitar passages can become a little overkill but somehow it all seems to get saved by the other brilliant flaunty arrangements. When digested whole, this album is a piece of genuinely creative soundwork. Four solid stars.