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Mercury Rev are one of those bands I always enjoy every time I hear them, and pledge to listen to more. I enjoyed Deserter's Songs when it came out during my college years, and "Goddess on a Hiway" is an obvious classic. They always seem to have come off and on my radar over the years, and somehow I've never actually seen them live. Thursday night that all changed when they made their way to Brighton Music Hall.
The most surprising thing about Mercury Rev was just how great they were live. In 2025, they're an incredibly tight live unit that play off each other effortlessly. Singer/frontman Jonathan Donahue seems to conduct the band throughout the set, giving a feeling of spontaneity a lot of bands don't seem to take advantage of. On albums, Mercury Rev is a relatively reserved and laid back band. Live they amp up the rock factor. A lot of bands do that, and few can pull it off without it seeming true to their music. With Mercury Rev, it feels more natural, like the songs have evolved from their original recording.
It's also easy to forget just how many great songs Mercury Rev have released over the years, and how great they truly are. Sure, there's "Goddess on a Hiway," but they also have classics like "Holes" and "Opus 40" along with "The Dark is Rising." Mercury Rev have kind of become a forgotten band that are in much need of being rediscovered. After seeing them Thursday night, a live show may just be the best way to get back into one of your forgotten favorites.
Sandy Bell opened the show playing as a duo. She played a quiet and restrained set of incredibly compelling songs with her on keyboards and a mellotron player. The audience had mostly yet to make their way into Brighton Music Hall when she went on, but she made the most of her time and found an appreciative and attentive crowd. She played originals but closed with a cover of Lou Reed's "Caroline Says II" which worked perfectly and truly showed off her unique sound.
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