Toby Hitchcock – Mercury Down

Releasedate: 26-08-2011; Label: Frontiers Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Powerhouse American vocalist Toby Hitchcock came to the attention of Melodic Rock fans when former Survivor founding member Jim Peterik chose him as the lead singer for the band that would mark his return on the scene: Pride of Lions. That band is currently in hiatus and he started to work with Erik Martensson. As a result the album “Mercury Down” is now on the market.

One of these collaborations that seemed made as it always should have been, the two seem to match perfectly. Erik takes care of the instrumental part and makes a good balance in the sound, having not too many elaborated parts in it. This is keeping it quite approachable and leaving it open for Toby to give voice to the meaning of these songs. Here and there you might get surprised of what this duo brings forth but on the other hand, why wouldn’t they? Songs like “A Different Drum”, “Summer Nights in Cabo” and “This Is The Moment” show the world the diversity of mr. Hitchcock and you’ll find him in a heavier variation than in his other bands.
Overall there is only one thing to conclude this album just works. Not any more words are needed.

Line Up:
Toby Hitchcock – Lead Vocals
Erik Martensson – All Instruments

Tracklist: 01 – Strong Enough 02 – This Is The Moment 03 – How To Stop 04 – Let Go 05 – One Day I’ll Stop Loving You 06 – I Should Have Said 07 – If It’s To Be (It’s Up To Me) 08 – Just Say Goodbye 09 – Summer Nights In Cabo 10 – Tear Down The Baricades 11 – A Different Drum 12 – Mecury’s Down