THE MERCURY RIOTS – In Solstice (2024) *HQ*
THE MERCURY RIOTS define their music as ‘muscle rock’. This Californian based quartet are simply immune to trends, as their individual cultural heritage truly makes for a gang of motley dogs, drawing inspiration from Metallica and AC/DC just as much as they do from, say, Muddy Waters or ZZ Top.
Their style may have been nurtured and their friendship forged in the wild heart of Los Angeles but all their passion and the inclination towards virtuosity – well, each of them has brought those to the City Of Angels in their luggage: from New Orleans, where Justin Walker’s voice was born and raised to tune in to traditional southern blues, as to rock and metal.
With powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and grooving rhythms, The Mercury Riots have a unique and memorable sound. And that’s true ‘cos a legend from the classic rock genre agreed to work with them.
In February of 2023, they had recording sessions at the Warehouse and Armoury studios in Vancouver with legendary producer/engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith). Mastered by Ryan Smith (The Black Keys, Greta Van Fleet) The Mercury Riots debut album “In Solstice” has a gigantic sound, rockin n’ hot.
There is nothing forced or artificial about this band, they live, sweat, and breathe Rock ‘n’ Roll, it’s just written into their DNA, and their music is a swaggering, snake-hipped, smouldering beast, and is everything that is good and great about the music we love.
As soon as ‘the needle hits the groove’ here, you smile – you can’t help it, this is just as good as music gets. The songs move and groove with sinuous ease, with the big riffs and bigger hooks insinuating their way into your subconscious – it’s a genuinely wild ride.
Vocalist Justin Walker has a voice that seamlessly combines grit with bluesy melodic power, his voice just fits perfectly, he has been a wonderful find for the band. Guitarist Felipe Rodrigo has a feel that is tight but loose, and is imbued with a fiery power that is undeniable.
The rhythm section of bass guitarist Fede Delfino and drummer Jonny Udell are wonderfully tight, and they drive the band along with gritty ‘n’ groovy authority.
From the moment the album kicks off with the majestic ‘Make It’, the quality of the band’s music simply shines through. There have been few albums this year that just make me feel good, but ‘In Solstice’ does so in spades
We honestly love everything about it, it just represents everything that makes Rock music so special. The band marries grit to glorious melodies in a way a lot of other bands could do well to learn from. You want proof? Listen to the brilliant ‘L.A. Girls’ which is simply a lesson in musical perfection.
‘Sweet Melody’ is another truly spectacular number, gently groovy, with a smooth riff and a glorious chorus, while Felipe delivers an outstanding solo, it’s truly a “wow” moment. ‘Scream It Out’ is another song that you know will connect in the live arena, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser with a chorus that will have everyone singing along.
We would also direct your attention to album coda ‘Nobody Knows’, which is a genius moment of Led Zeppelin-esque brilliance, being both hauntingly atmospheric and boot-stampingly heavy – it is absolutely the perfect way to close proceedings.
The album is produced by legend Mike Fraser and he has done an outstanding job, absolutely capturing the band at the peak of their powers (thus far).
If you want an album that will make you genuinely happy and that will reinforce your love of rock music – then I cannot recommend ‘In Solstice’ to you highly enough.
Highly Recommended
01 – Make It
02 – Be Yours
03 – LA Girls
04 – Sweet Melody
05 – Take Me When You Go
06 – Light It Up
07 – Save Me A Drink
08 – Scream It Out
09 – 99 Degrees
10 – Nobody Knows
Justin Walker (vocals)
Felipe Rodrigo (guitars)
Fede Delfino (bass)
Jonny Udell (drums)
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