So, album number two for the Melbourne outfit, Oh Mercy. You may recall Oh Mercy's debut album, 2009’s Privileged Woes – that saw the band take home the Red Bull Award for ‘Outstanding Potential’ at the Australian Music Prize, as well as being named the winner of the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA) in music and a nomination for a J Award for Album of the Year. You may have also caught them during their extensive touring schedule for the album including a stint touring alongside national icons Crowded House.
2011 sees the release of Great Barrier Grief. A beautiful compilation of acoustic pop; predominantly catchy, with not a single second inducing boredom in my oh-so-important opinion (*cough*). Two tracks from the record, ‘Keith St’ and ‘Stay, Please Stay’, will already be familiar to triple j listeners.
“’Stay, Please Stay’ was a part of the Oh Mercy set for six months before it was recorded; a band favourite, it was always planned to be the first track on the second record,” says Alexander. “I re-wrote the lyrics while in New York, writing from the perspective of the person left at home having to say goodbye to a loved one who’s constantly travelling.”
A tale of romance dying in the Australian summer, ‘Keith Street’ has been in rotation for five months already, after originally being released by the band as a vinyl 7” in order to appease a fan base hungry for new sounds. The exclusive singles were snapped up, long before Oh Mercy had time to complete a sold-out tour supporting the song.
Inspired by the sort of classic Australian albums which shape our history, Great Barrier Grief marks a whole new horizon for Oh Mercy, and the song writing journey of Alexander Gow. Paul Kelly, arguably Australia’s most respected songwriter, agrees, recently naming Oh Mercy in The Age EG as a new band who inspires him to write.
Oh Mercy head back out on the road for the Great Barrier Grief album launch tour through March, April and into May. Based on reports of previous live shows as well as the standard of music contained on the new release, i can see any reason why you wouldn't want to check them out in person.
Oh Mercy Great Barrier Grief album launch tour dates:
- Wednesday 23 March - Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba - www.clarendonguesthouse.com.au
- Thursday 24 March - The Maram, Canberra - www.moshtix.com.au
- Friday 25 March - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney - www.moshtix.com.au
- Saturday 26 March - Northern Star, Newcastle - www.bigtix.com.au
- Thursday 31 March - Neverland Bar, Gold Coast - www.moshtix.com.au
- Friday 1 April - Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane - www.oztix.com.au
- Thursday 7 April - Karova Lounge, Ballarat - www.oztix.com.au
- Friday 8 April - Corner Hotel, Melbourne - www.cornerhotel.com
- Sunday 10 April - Jive Bar, Adelaide - www.moshtix.com.au
- Saturday 30 April - Amplifier, Perth - www.moshtix.com.au
- Sunday 1 May - Mojo's, Fremantle - www.moshtix.com.au
ALBUM | ‘GREAT BARRIER GRIEF’ | AVAILABLE MARCH 4
www.theinsoundfromwayout.com
The Great Barrier Grief album, release date March 4, is now available to pre-order through JBHIFI online (with signed lyric sheet - sing along in your bedroom!) or iTunes (with bonus track) and also special digital album and ticket bundles.
Sally (sally@weheartmusic)