Review of Mercury’s Antennae ‘Beneath The Serene’

On March 14, Mercury’s Antennae released Beneath The Serene – containing chamber-like vocals, nuanced bass lines and dynamic electro-ambient work.

On March 14, Mercury’s Antennae released their second full-length album, Beneath The Serene. They began as a duo, comprised of Dru Allen on vocals and Erick R. Scheid on guitar, keys, synth and production. More recently, bassist Cindy Coulter joined the group. The result is a skilled composition of almost chamber-like vocals, nuanced bass lines and dynamic electro-ambient work on this record.

Beneath The Serene opens with “Le Spectre Concubine.” Whispering and shimmering ambient tones move like wind through the track – bringing Allen’s voice with them. Listeners are immediately dropped into an unearthly and immersive landscape in this short opening piece.

In the second track, “Ivy Tree Shore,” a clear and accessible rhythm leads the way. When the vocals enter, they ring of a siren song. With a distant and crystalline sense, the singing feels like it is coming from a cliff above. Instrumentals that recall old folk tones punctuate the otherwise modern and weighted composition. The arch of “Ivy Tree Shore” evokes waves on the tide.

Next, “Chrysalis” begins with ominous ambient tones before a theatrical voice enters and the beat drops. This is a dynamic track, which makes strong use of counterpoint between airy vocals and driving musicality. Immediately following, “Silivren” contains dreamlike and whimsical notes that glide seamlessly throughout. Soaring tones layered in evoke fae-like images.

Mercury's Antennae takes listeners away

Pulsing rhythms mark the title track on this record. An especially cohesive song, musical and human voices weave together as one force here. Ethereal and enthralling, this arrangement envelops listeners.

“Migration” then notches the tempo down and the haunting vibe up. Cinematographic in nature, listeners cannot rip their ears away as they slowly drift to their seats’ edge. Aptly named, “Migration” conveys the sense of a tense journey through unknown places.

Beneath The Serene closes on a strong note with “Into Lost and Away.” This track would easily attract a crowd to the dance floor in any goth setting. With sensuality in rhythm and silkiness in vocals, “Into Lost and Away” is attention grabbing and immersive.

Mercury’s Antennae produced a strong record with Beneath The Serene. Audiences are sure to see more from this trio in the near future.