Album Notes

Once described by writer Jamie Perkins as a game of golf between Wilco, James Taylor and Cracker, Mercuryhat had it's genesis in singer/songwriter/guitar player Eric Ott. Already a veteran of successful 90's Seacoast acts "The Bonnie Situation" and "The Ridley's", Ott was looking for something new.

In 2000, Ott teamed up with ex Bonnie Situation bandmate and guitarist extraordinaire Steve Wilt to help craft demo's of his new songs. The result was inspiring and soon old friend and ex Bonnie Situation member Chris Shaw was on board rounding out the sound on bass. Recording in an abandoned theatre in Dover, New Hampshire the freshly energized band was prolific, writing 22 songs which they later whittled down to 11 tracks for their 2003 debut: "Hover". A musical and critical success, "Hover" was a first step in the right direction.

While very much a cohesive group effort, it is Ott's penchant for dark, brutally honest lyrics and deceptively simple melodies that give Mercuryhat its roots rock/folk flavor. Though lyrically introspective and brooding, there is a warm thread of optimism in the Mercuryhat sound that stops them short of the self-obsessed darkness that might trap a less mature band. This is even more apparent in their live shows where Ott's self deprecating humor and approachable stage demeanor underscore the simple grandeur of the band's lush and layered sound.

After an introspective sabbatical, Mercuryhat are back...this time with the fresh energy of Christian Berling on drums. Hard at work on their sophomore effort due out in the Summer of 2007, Mercuryhat is full of promise. Watch for them on the New England club circuit this Spring.