Member Since: 13/07/2006
Band Website: www.MercyCreek.com
Band Members: Cheryl Nystrom - songwriter, guitar, mandolin, vocals
Jim Ball - songwriter, drums, percussion
Influences: Shawn Colvin, Bonnie Raitt, Ani DiFranco, Chrissie Hynde, Rusted Root
Sounds Like: * The Washington Post Fairfax Extra December 22, 2005 ......"Mercy Creek can perform folk, harder rock, calypso groove, swinging alt-country, and bluesy gospel. The band makes a mighty noise for just 2 players. After six years of extensive touring, the duo has been described as "the White Stripes of Americana." Jack and Meg White, watch you back." M. Meyer
* The Washington Examiner Sept 8, 2005 ".....Nystrom is an undeniable star, with a strong expressive voice that swoops around pop choruses and haunts the verses in between, like a burnished and coppery Beth Orton....
* Singer & Musician Magazine August 2005 "...Mercy Creek, the two-piece group (singer/guitarist Cheryl Nystrom and drummer Jim Ball) is one of the leaders of an aggressive folk rock movement and have been coined "The White Stripes of Americana." Their sound blends modern folk with pop, rock, blues and even bluegrass. Nystrom's vocals are raw, uninhibited, intense and sensual."
* Taste Of Triple A 2005 "If there is such a thing as perfect folk-rock music, then Mercy Creek comes as close as possible to creating it. Their songs are authentically rootsy without losing that ever-elusive mainstream appeal."
Customer Reviews for Bonfire of Vanities on Amazon.com
*This is the most recent DC from Mercy creek. Ever since their first CD, their music has grown and improved. They were great to begin with, and now irresistable with this current CD. My favorite song is "I'll Find a Place" (listen to it and you may figure out why). Mercy Creek calls their music "alternative folk". Many people get scared away by "folk" music, but Mercy Creek is more than a folk band. They have soul, rythm, and Cheryl (lead singer and guitarist) cand sing and play. If you've heard them perform live, you know what I mean. If you haven't, go see them! I highly recommend any of their CDs, especially this recent 2-CD album.
E. Peterson Centerville, VA
*Mercy creek sounds like what the White Stripes only wish they could sound like. Rocking and driving with an obvious homage to their folky roots, this exciting duo is one of the few bands thet would feel equally at home on the Top 40 Rock charts and on the Top 40 Folk charts. Like most great duos, they are consistently releasing better and better albums and this, their latest, will bolw you away. It's almost scary to think how good the next album will be if they stay on the same track.
Megan Romer Breaux Bridge, LA
*This CD is incredable. Not only do you get new Mercy Creek, you get to hear them live. (CD2) It's almost as good as seeing them perform live! If you ever get the chance, they will blow your mind! I have all 5 CD's I love every one of them and can't wait for the next.
Jay from Ohio Brunswick, OH
Record Label: Mercy Creek Records
Type of Label: Indie