Baybeats 2007 got off the ground with a hell of an opening act from veteran indie-rockers Mercury Rev at the Esplanade on Aug 2. The quintet, who hails from The Big Apple, consists of members Jonathan Donahue (vocals, guitar), Sean Mackowiak aka Grasshopper (guitar), Jeff Mercel (drums, keyboard), Carlos Anthony Molina (bass) and Dave Fridmann (bass, engineering, production) and they were nothing but absolutely mind-blowing.

Having been around for more than 2 decades, their 1-night only performance on Thursday was ardent proof of their staying power as they performed in a live show made up mainly of an older crowd, most of whom were clearly fans as they swayed and sang to familiar tunes from their youth.

The band, which has been often compared to indie-rock ensemble The Flaming Lips, kick-started the show with crowd pleasers such as “Opus 40”, “The Dark is Rising” and “Tides of the Moon”.

Proving that they still have it, the seemingly indefatigable band played most of their songs with much fervor as powerful guitar riffs and dazed vocals dominated the 75- minute long session. Drummer Jeff Mercel, with his recognisably curly wild hair, pounded the drums with such vigor, the sound system vibrated with palpable throbs that resonated within the concert hall.

In the end, it was frontman Donahue, true to his eccentric nature, who stole the spotlight as he worked the crowd; displaying remarkable showmanship as he amusingly gestured the lyrics to almost every song and trashed about while passionately belting out tune upon tune.

Unfortunately, thrice he tried for the usual polite yet meaningless banter most frontmen love – giving a shout out to Singapore, wishing the nation a happy birthday and telling the crowd they ‘have a beautiful country and really something going on’ – which all came back with the same restless response from the 600-strong crowd as is if to say ‘Cut the crap already’ or ‘Yeah? That’s what they all say.’

Although not exactly as much a visual feast as past concerts by international acts such as Mogwai and Muse, the concert’s strobe light display was still considerably decent. A film montage made of mostly silent film snippets and quirky quotes accompanied dreamy lyrics perfectly as pulsing laser lights made for a dramatic affair.

The crowd applauded and whistled after every track, never failing to let the band know of their admiration and support which fueled the group on as they clearly did not want to disappoint.

Towards the end, the crowd gave a standing ovation as the band came together and waved to their adoring fans. As they left the stage, the mob chanted for an encore which saw they group sashaying out and performing “Goddess on a Hiway”.

Mercury Rev evidently gave the gig their all, performing with an intensity that could fuel 3 times more hearts that were in the intimate space and which unquestionably, shook the audience to the core. Sadly, it is doubtful the aged band, whose members are in their 40s and 50s, will ever come back. However, for this reviewer, one thing’s for sure; Mercury Rev rocked my socks.


For more information on Mercury Rev, visit their website at www.mercuryrev.net.