Is Boces a good place to start with Mercury Rev?

Yes, Boces is recommended as a starting point for new Mercury Rev listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic rock and orchestral pop, swirling with eccentric melodies and eclectic instrumentation. Released in 1993, Boces was Mercury Rev's second studio album, following their debut, Yerself Is Steam. The band was still developing their unique sound, moving further into experimental territory while gaining a cult following, setting the stage for their later, more polished works like Deserter's Songs.

Boces works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, otherworldly atmosphere for exploration and dynamic shifts in soundscapes.

How many songs are on Boces?

Boces has 10 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Boces

Mercury Rev · 1993

53 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic rock and orchestral pop, swirling with eccentric melodies and eclectic instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Meth of a Rockette's Kick Start here — This expansive opener showcases the band's flair for creating atmospheric layers, balancing chaotic energy with melodic beauty over a ten-minute journey.
→
Trickle Down — The track delivers an infectious groove paired with whimsical lyrics, embodying the playful yet introspective nature that characterizes much of the album.
→
Boys Peel Out — With its catchy hooks and vivid imagery, this song encapsulates the essence of youthful rebellion while demonstrating the band’s knack for storytelling.
→
Hi-Speed Boats — This track highlights Mercury Rev's ability to merge lush instrumentation with haunting vocals, creating an emotional resonance that lingers long after it ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive arrangements and eclectic instrumentation, contributing to its distinct sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered instrumentation, setting a frenetic pace that continues through the first half.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrast that allows for introspection before the album closes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
otherworldly atmosphere for exploration
dynamic shifts in soundscapes
immersive listening on quiet nights

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Boces represents a departure into more ambitious soundscapes and eclectic instrumentation.
Themes: kaleidoscopic dreamscapes· whimsical storytelling
Career context: Released in 1993, Boces was Mercury Rev's second studio album, following their debut, Yerself Is Steam. The band was still developing their unique sound, moving further into experimental territory while gaining a cult following, setting the stage for their later, more polished works like Deserter's Songs.
Stylistic neighbors: The Flaming Lips· Spiritualized· My Morning Jacket