Troy Mercy - Let The Night Begin

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2026
Time:37:44 
Size:86,4 MB 
Label:Gitcha Records 
Styles:Blues/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Cheap Machine - 3:58
 2. Better & Better - 3:07
 3. Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye) - 3:56
 4. Silver Bird - 2:25
 5. Love Is A Hurt - 5:48
 6. Let The Night Begin - 3:12
 7. Traveling Light - 3:48
 8. A Place Of Our Own - 4:31
 9. Trembling Shadow - 2:30
10. Who's Laughing Now? - 4:23

The difficulty most artists have creating a buzz on debut albums, especially in the blues genre, is partially alleviated on guitarist/singer/songwriter Troy Mercy’s initial foray. That’s due to his extensive history working with some of the most recognizable names in the business. Fans of the Fabulous Thunderbirds might recognize Mercy as that band’s guitarist for a number of years in the early 00s (replacing Kid Ramos), although under the last name Gonyea (there were some self-released earlier albums under this moniker too). He has also toured and/or recorded with roots music legends like Booker T. Jones, Jerry Portnoy, and Howlin’ Wolf’s guitarist/right-hand man Hubert Sumlin. But now, taking the Mercy name brings a harder edge to his bluesy rocking. Live, the lineup is stripped down to the power-duo drums and guitar only concept popularized by the White Stripes/Black Keys. That’s an indication of the tough, unvarnished, somewhat retro sound he delivers here. Although veteran bassist Marty Ballou appears on five selections to bolster the vibe, his contributions are minimal yet helpful for a studio recording.On his webpage, Mercy calls his music “brave new blues” describing himself as “I breathe the blues. I have a rock and roll heart.” His influences include Otis Redding, Richard Thompson, Captain Beefheart and Black Sabbath, showing his intent on pushing all sorts of sonic boundaries. That’s clear on these 10 originals. While the minimal instrumentation stays raw and focused, Mercy writes sharp songs with changes and hooks that slither around bluesy and indie rock, but stay tethered to his rootsy inclinations. Mercy also boasts a strong, soulful voice, bringing further fearlessness to music that connects on first listen.You’ll immediately respond to his Jack White/Jimmy Page-styled six-string work on “Compromised Blues (A Spy Goodbye)” that bumps and grinds with nasty garage-heavy, reverb-soaked intensity. He sings with force and energy, matching the tracks’ electrified sparks as drummer Harrison Foti infuses a combination of New Orleans funk and Bonham’s frantic qualities.Producer/drummer Tim Carman (Parlor Greens, ex-GA-20) keeps the audio uncluttered (he also plays on half the tunes), focusing on Mercy’s vocals. His voice is particularly compelling on “Silver Bird”’s Bo Diddley beats where Mercy drops guitar, displaying his similarly impressive harmonica skills. Heading down to the swamps for “Who’s Laughing Now,” Troy pushes his vocals into falsetto for haunting effect, with chunky guitar chords and Foti pushing it forward playing offbeat, slightly militarist snare patterns, adding to the already evocative mood. We shift to Cream territory for the opening of “Let the Night Begin,” which mimics that classic trio’s version of “Cat’s Squirrel.” Mercy howls out wordless vocals until shouting the song’s title, as the rhythm shifts from funky to blistering. He goes full soulman on the swinging “Love is a Hurt,” a song begging to be picked up by Tedeschi-Trucks band with its horns and backing singers as the guitarist kicks into a solo that’s steeped in Southern Duane Allman gravy. And “Traveling Light” (not the JJ Cale tune), brings it together with a rollicking tempo, sizzling, thick notes and enthusiasm bursting from the speakers. Troy Mercy uses his extensive knowledge, experience and talents to create a stylistic synthesis on “Let the Night Begin.” It finds him staking out distinctive, invigoratingly fresh territory in his crowded blues rocking genre ~ By Hal Horowitz.

Let The Night Begin