The Mercurymen @ The Listening Room - 06/12/09

Now this was a gig that had been creating quite a buzz about town. This was the guys 3rd visit to us in 5 months and this one was already moved to the big room due to demand and was sold out in advance as expected. The Mercurymen are a band that you are either going to love or hate. Why? Well they don't really fit a category. Are they folk? Pop? Well they are what they are and for the packed audience tonight they are stars in the waiting, but more on the guys later.

First up on the bill tonight was pianist Rico Franchi. Rico has played for us before and left quite a few people with their jaws on the floor. His mix of jazz and pop has a foot tapping infectiousness that is hard to ignore. Check him out. He is one to keep an eye on.

Next up was a fav here at Intimate Gigs. Maeve O'Boyle is a star. Of that there is no doubt. In the 6 years she has been playing gigs for us, we have watched her bloom into one of the finest songwriters and performers in the country. The likes of Sandi Thom and Amy MacDonald could only wish to be as good as this lass. I swear there were grown men crying when she was singing Facing Home (sorry Glynn). The audience loved her and rightly so. She will be back doing a headline gig with us in June when her debut album is released.

Now back to The Mercurymen. 3 different personalities, different voices and different styles that all come together in a magical musical package that is more refreshing than a mountain spring. These guys are incredible. Really.... They are something very, very special. Songs like Keep Me In Your Heart and Scent had the sell out crowd singing along, something which the band clearly reveled in. We were treated to a masterclass in harmonies and perfect pop which earned the guys 2 standing ovations. Highlight of the night was a storming version of Rough Around The Edges, which had the whole room singing along, stamping their feet and clapping their hands.

Quite an evening. If any of these acts are playing near you... Get out of the house and go and see them. You won't be disappointed. Gigs at the Listening Room are going from strength to strength and selling out every show. No wonder when the shows are this good.