Universal Hall Pass - Mercury (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

One of a kind

layla | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poor Melissa Kaplan. The vocalist, lyricist and composer of Universal Hall Pass, as well as vocalist and lyricist of Splashdown seems to be caught in the middle. Those who enjoy more obscure bands tend to turn their nose up at the catchy, upbeat nature. Yet, it's too complex and eclectic for the less adventurous mainstream who would prefer a stunning sex goddess over a stunning talent.

If you'd like something more experimental than mainstream pop, but you're not a snob who listens to bands purely for the privilege of telling people you like them, then perhaps you'll fall into the small window of appeal that Melissa Kaplan's music reaches.

If nothing else, visit www.universalhallpass.com and take a gander at the lyrics. I do believe Miss Kaplan is the most ingenious lyricist I have ever had the delight of coming across."

Out of this universe...

seal | LA | 11/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fell madly in love with Splashdown through the influence of a SF-dj friend of mine, and nearly cried when the band broke up. So glad to see Melissa Kaplan is still putting her brilliance to work in Mercury. Stand out tracks are: Solar/Lunar- which would fit happily on Space Mountain or the Serenity soundtrack, Six-step dragon- an absolutely beautiful synth-asian peice, and Dragonfly.

A word of caution:

As with the case of much of Splashdown's stuff, you may not like this music the first time you hear it. It's very dissonant, oddly unlike what western ears are trained to hear. KEEP LISTENING. After the 3rd time through the album, you will start to pick out the marvelous subtleties in the music."

Addictive

Kara Loraine | England, UK | 11/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought UHP on the back of Splashdown and was prepared to be disappointed, but was pleasantly surprised to find the album diverse and brilliant. Dragonfly was familiar from the free downloads on the UHP website and stands out as one of the best songs, however there are many to choose from with Avatar and Tutellary Genius being my personal favourites. The blend of upbeat pop and eastern influences with bluesly ballads makes a wonderfully addictive album and while I think all splashdown fans will always hope for a reunion, UHP undoubtedly makes the separation easier to bear.

The only track i havent loved is quiet use of charm, although it seems to be popular with many other people, i find the vocal effects a little irritating and with a voice like that there really isnt any need for them!

Overall a throughly recommended and enjoyable cd."

Incredible album for every mood!

Keith Shelton | Commerce, MI | 10/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"like most everyone else here, I'm a huge fan of Splashdown, and was very disapointed when I heard they were no longer together.

Then through sheer chance I stumbled across Universal Hall Pass, and then found out that the same vocalist from Splashdown fronts this band.

Not only that, but UHP goes to much further heights. This is simply put a masterpiece.

The album opens up with the rediculously fun and beatles-esque Tutelary Genius. One of the most insanely catchy chourus's ever.

then the album morphs to jazzy trip-hop with Dragonfly.

the album then morphs again to the stunning Misdirected.

In fact this album changes it up so often that I can't see myself ever getting sick of it. They go from rock to trip-hop to very asian sounding, even throwing in a taste of india.

I don't think there's ever been an album like it, nor have I ever put in a CD that's made me rave like this after only 1 or 2 listens. Melissa is a superb and unique vocalist and the music is incredibly detailed and all around wonderful.

this is a must have album"

What a debut!

Z. deScathach | USA | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Talk about roaring out of the gate! Mercury is an album that deftly flies from one musical modality to another with the ease and skill of a circus trapeze act!

The album opens with "Tutelary Genius", a breezy, deftly executed pop tune that becomes an instant ear-worm, then seemlessly shifts gears into "Dragonfly", a superbly crafted electronica piece with a subtle jazz feel. This basically goes on through the entire album, each song a delightful surprise, and you find yourself listening to these widely varying genres, loving and savouring each one of them. The attention to detail shines through the entire album, from the kung fu film beauty of "Six Step Dragon", to the mystical lyrics and latin inspired music of "Katrinah Josephina".

Now for the ONE con. Unfortunately, the mix itself has some problems. There are sometimes differences in overall volume of the individual mixes, and in certain areas, some sounds are overwhelmed while some boom out and overwhelm the others, such as the bassline in "Dragonfly". Still, I've heard worse, and the virtuosity of the album proper more than makes up for the slight problems in the mix. Buy this album, it's a treat!

"

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