CD: 5046668862
RELEASED: 2003
LABEL: 14th Floor

01. Further
02. Can't Explain
03. Electricity
04. When You Sleep
05. If You Asked
06. I Would
07. Nowhere
08. Falling For You
09. Falling Without You
10. Still
11. Will You Wait Here
12. This Is

Longview's debut album, Mercury, is a moody, sprawling and frequently beautiful debut, crammed full of terrific songs. Forming in Manchester the band's debut album provides us with a staple diet of sweeping melodies, strong harmonies and deft guitar work that is as powerful as it is gentle. Singer Rob McVey truly has a fantastic voice that gives Longview an edge so many bands lack. It's full and rich in tone that creates immense warmth in the band's songs. Opening with "Further" we're immediately plunged into a doubled up vocal part that gives depth to the verse. It sometimes hard to put songs like this into words as it has such an atmosphere to it. They also know how to rock though. And rock well! "When You Sleep" injects a little more energy into the proceedings whilst "Nowhere" has some fine hooks, the "You won't try, You don't care" mantra and handclaps adding a pop sensibility that will ensure a wide ranging appeal. Every song here deserves its place and hopefully Longview will be able to keep up this same high standard for a long time to come.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Sheila Divine, Longwave, Haven, Vega 4