Review Summary: A stirring, sensational rock 'n roll record straight outta Canada.
In spite of a cringe-worthy name, Moist clearly stand-out and shine brightly in the rock scene. With an impeccable, unique vocalist at their core in David Usher, the band delivers consistent, engaging melodies across their discography. "Underground" opens this third record from the Canadian rockers and, with its minute-or-so-long introduction, strikingly brings to mind the Unbreakable score from James Newton Howard; in particular "Visions", the outstanding main theme from the movie. A curious thing since the film premiered in late-2000, while Mercedes arrived in the middle of 1999. Speaking moistly, "Fish" swims into this collection with style and substance aplenty, offering an incredibly nifty mid-section, typically compelling vocals from Usher and a stockpile of unique lyrics such as: "take a stroll on the astro turf, it's rolling, foaling, temporarily brown". Truly engrossing material.
Rifling backwards, "Breathe" was the lead single off this near-hour-long album and it is a winner. Though some listeners may not be privy to the usage of a drum machine throughout, the track is an exemplary display for Usher and benefits from having the most powerful chorus among the tracklist. Rising, yet hauntingly subdued during the verses, "Breathe" is arguably the best song of the bunch, a breathtakingly memorable effort that will stick with you for years. "Liberation" and "Comes And Goes" are among the groovier songs when it comes to this wide-reaching record, the former did not appear in the American release, which strangely arrived a year after releasing initially in Canada, while the latter could have easily been a catchy single for any alternative rock enthusiasts to feast upon.
"Pleasing Falsetto" is indeed just as "pleasing" as the title suggests, featuring an irresistibly-charming chorus that may just get you singing along with the "woo"s dropped throughout that would make Ric Flair blush. "Mandolin" is uniquely crafty in how Usher chooses to jump between words. The song is intriguingly euphoric, bringing to mind something that Blind Melon may have produced in another life. "Place" is a powerful cut that may have the power to send shivers down your spine with a beautiful melodic guitar opener. Simply gorgeous. "Deliver Me" is an interesting (albeit hidden) album closer that was recorded in guitarist Mark Makoway's living room. It is quietly inviting, wholly captivating and bookends this terrific effort with a high-level of class. Mercedes Five And Dime is a masterpiece.
