ALL IS DREAM

"All is Dream" is the 5th full-length studio album by US rock act Mercury Rev. The album was released through the V2 label in August 2001. It´s the successor to "Deserter's Songs" from 1998 and features a couple of lineup changes since the predecessor as Suzanne Thorpe (flute), Adam Snyder (Wurlitzer piano, Mellotron, Hammond B-3 organ) and Jimmy Chambers (harpsichord, clavinet, drums) have left the band. Only one new member has been added in Jeff Mercel (piano, drums). Mercury Rev are as a consequence only a four-piece on "All is Dream". Jonathan Donahue (vocals, acoustic guitar), Sean "Grasshopper" Mackowiack (guitar) and Dave Fridmann (mellotron, bass) remain from the lineup who recorded "Deserter's Songs (1998)". In addition to the permanent members of the lineup performing there are several guest musicians featured on the album who help colour the music with instruments like violin, flute, and strings.

Stylistically the two preceding releases "See You On The Other Side (1995)" and "Deserter's Songs (1998)" featured an alternative/indie rock style with a slight psychadelic edge and the occasional progressive touch, and that music style is more or less continued on "All is Dream". The sound is pleasant, organic, and warm, and the tracks are generally structurally simple and relatively catchy. The vocals are soft and accessible and there are layers of instruments on the tracks which make them an intriguing listen. The tracks featuring string arrangements work especially well.

"All is Dream" features a professional, detailed, and well sounding production and everything is performed with passion, skill, and conviction, so there is high level musicianship on all posts too. "Deserter's Songs (1998)" was a high quality release by Mercury Rev and upon conclusion "All is Dream" is a worthy follow-up to that album. It´s not fully on par with it, but it´s still a quality release deserving a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating.