Album Notes

Pretty Things Walk
THE DEBUT ALBUM FROM AUSTIN'S THE MERCERS
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FORMED FROM THE STILL-SMOKING ASHES OF CHOKING AHOGO IN MAY OF 2006, THE MERCERS CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THE BAND'S PENCHANT FOR MESMERIZATION

While comparisons to early Peter Gabriel, the Who, and Guided by Voices are apt, the Austin group is perhaps most proud of the occasional country influence. “Combining our brit-pop inspired melodies with the occasional pedal steel or country/western chord progression gives our songs a sort of eerie quality” says front man Peter Wagner. “We're from Texas, but it's obvious our minds have wandered elsewhere.”

Peter, born and raised in Austin, met the Ray brothers in college through a shared membership in several bands with Bryan Ray. After nearly crippling his left hand opening a can of paint thinner with an exceptionally sharp knife, he asked Erik Ray to help out on guitar. Erik eventually found a permanent spot in the band's lineup, playing both guitar and keyboard. Ethan Herr joined the band after he and Peter were introduced by a mutual friend.

The Mercers' brit-pop sensibilities, whining pedal steel, eclectic influences, and affinity for sad, haunting melodies give this talented quartet's efforts on PRETTY THINGS WALK a strange but accessible beauty listeners will quickly find themselves drawn to, again and again.

THE MERCERS IS:
Peter Wagner - vocals, guitar
Bryan Ray - bass
Erik Ray - guitar, keyboards
Ethan Herr - drums