.. RICK PADILLA ROCK N ROLL RICK
(vocals, rhythm guitar, drum programing )
ALAIN LUCAS THE ZEN MASTER
(bass guitar)
NICK HUFF TEX
(drums)
DON GROOVER GUITAR GOD
(guitar, banjo)
Influences
Sounds Like
May 5, 2005 The Martha's Vineyard Times
New sounds from two directions
A pair of Island bands will cele-brate the completion of their latest recording projects with CD release parties this weekend.
The Mercy Beat, led by prolific singer/songwriter "Rock and Roll" Rick Padilla. throws down the gauntlet with their latest disc, "Thank God You Don't Suck," defiantly challenging listeners to say otherwise, The disc is primarily a collection of demos captured In a raw, unvarnished style that traverse the musical landscape from full-throated rockers to haunting guitar-driven ballads.
On the opening track, "The Moment," shimmering guitars chime over an anthemic melody as Mr. Padilla sings, "No moment is fixed in time, nobody dies tonight." The Scorpion" blends clean verses and fuzzed-out choruses as the lyrics describe that venerable staple of rock songs, the Wicked Woman. The live track "Surfslut" suggests Dick Dale on acid as Mr. Padilla and the band (Alan Lucas on bass, Mike Alien on guitar, J.B. Lamont on drums) attack the song with full-throated vigor. "Waitress of Love (Live)" proves that the band can do melodic, hook-filled rock as they craft a Pixies-meets-U2 sound, while the trippy "Space Cat" suggests an amalgam of The Stray Cats and Wall of Voodoo. "Lucy," perhaps the best track on the disc, fuses lonely, echoing guitar tones with plaintive vocals that evoke Texas nights. With the melodic choruses
and a vocal delivery that suggests a fusion of Bryan Ferry and Chris Isaak, the song hits its stride with the lyrics, "Every time I look at you, every time, everything comes crashing down."
With "Thank God You Don't Suck," The Mercy Beat continue to prove themselves rock and roll sluggers who slay in the musical ring with tenacity.
by Julian Wise
February 6, 2003 The Martha's Vineyard Times
CD Review
Mercy Beat Shines on "Shine"
"Rocking" Rick Padilla has been a fixture on the local music scene for years, transitioning between various band projects. With his latest project, the Mercy Beat and its upcoming CD release "Shine," he's fused lush production values with solid writing to craft a collection of impressive songs. If you've heard of him but never actually heard his music, this CD will be the place to start.
The Mercy Beat consists of Rick Padilla on vocals, Michael Allen on guitars, Alain Lucas on bass, and Howie Marlin on drums. The disc was mixed at Jim Parr's studio. The cover art will be provided by local artist Kara Taylor.
Mr. Padilla is a much stronger singer than he's given credit for. His voice elicits classic '80s artists such as Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen, Bono, Billy Idol, and Brian Ferry. He's able to evoke these artists without sounding derivative. Mr. Padilla is able to reach breathy crescendos or full-throated declarations without sounding thin or strained.
The Mercy Beat's sound is reminiscent of early '80s pop in the best sense of the phrase. It evokes a time when musicians put their faith in 1-4-5 chord progressions, 2-4 bass-and-drums rhythms, melodic guitar notes, romantic keyboard flourishes, and breathy vocals. For anyone over age 25 who's horrified by the cacophony of plastic hip-hop and witless nu-metal currently defiling the airwaves, this return to melodicism is a welcome breath of fresh air.
While many of the tracks fall under the '80's pop rubric, there is a diversity within the songs. "Drug Girl" is a lush, Chris Isaac–style pop song that's immediately catchy. "Happy Birthday" is an acoustic track with Byrds'-like harmonies and faux Brit-pop accents. "Psychic Love" captures the sound of '70s-era Roxy Music with a vocal style that fuses Brian Ferry and David Byrne. "Suspicious" is a punk/techno thrash number with a catchy melodic break. "Sugar" recalls the best of Echo and the Bunnymen with its blunted chords and piano runs. The final song, "Little Sister," is a luscious blend of melodic guitars and vocal harmonies.
The Mercy Beat is about to make itself visible with a series of performances including a date at the Atlantic Connection tomorrow night. The bane of many new bands is a lack of engaging songs. This is not a problem for the Mercy Beat; this band has a bagful of catchy tunes which will get the audience's feet moving. Give credit where it's due; Mr. Padilla and his companions have done what few artists bother to do today — write ear-pleasing songs backed by competent musicianship. If this preview CD is any indication of the future direction of the Mercy Beat, "Shine" is an appropriate title.
by Julian Wise
It was good to hear you all rocking again last Saturday night - if I hadn't been so sick I would have danced my ass off, as you know! As it was, my bar stool got pretty animated...
