Artist: Patrick Brealey

Album: Mercury In Songbirds

Release: 14 July 2009

Reviewed by Lauren Eldridge (Backstage Vancouver)

I'm not going to lie; when opening track "My End of the Deal" began to play, I immediately thought, Not another country album. But as I listened to the rest of the album, I began to hear bits and pieces that remind me of other bands I really like. Although "My End of the Deal" is as country as they come, Mercury In Songbirds has more in store than a stereotype expects.

"I Don't Want to Hear Another Love Song" rocks a combination of electric guitar and attitude that I've only found in Little Foot Long Foot. "Something to Do with You" and "Castaway Heart" have the breezy, tropical country of Patsy Cline, which I find very nostalgic. If you told me that "Some Days Aren't Very Good" is an Meatdraw song, I wouldn't blink twice. Patrick Brealey only needs a chain in a can to fit  the dark Tim Burton-esque sound of Meatdraw. "Blessing in Disguise" is a love song with a harmonica introduction, making me think of a country version of City and Colour.

"Please Don't Love Me With That Love" has the old world country feel that I've discovered in Cameron Latimer. Both artists are very nostalgic in their music, and listening to this track brings me back to childhood. Wildfire is a banjo number that I would say is the second most country song on the album. The banjo has grown on me since T. Nile made it cool, and it is well-used in this particular track. "Tell Her, Tell Him" has a jazzy feel that sounds as though it came straight from the Prime soundtrack. If it doesn't get your hips swaying, you may be sitting down. "Learn to Let It Go" is the slow song that offers comfort in the form of a lullaby. The final track, "A Little on the Side," is one of the sweetest love songs I've ever heard, and often the one I play on repeat.

Now that you're convinced that Patrick Brealey will satisfy at least part of your musical craving, you can see him perform on Saturday night at the Railway Club. I'll see you there!

Track Listing
1. My End of the Deal
2. I Don't Want to Hear Another Love Song
3. Something to Do with You
4. Castaway Heart
5. Some Days Aren't Very Good
6. Blessing in Disguise
7. The Devil Didn't Make Me Do It
8. Please Don't Love Me with that Love
9. Wildfire
10. Tell Her, Tell Him
11. Learn to Let It Go
12. A Little on the Side

Written by :

Lauren

 

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