Thirsty Merc at the Annandale March 2007 |
Date Published: Friday Mar 02nd, 2007 |
On a sultry night a cold drink and chilly air
conditioning can make a girl feel all is well in the
world. Add this to a mix of great bands and some
eye-candy to improve the view and all in all,
you’re approaching bliss.
Wons Phreely’s quirky tunes and Jeff Buckly-esque
vocals got things started with a five-song set. The
singer/songwriter switched between acoustic and
electric guitars and added texture to the tunes
through the addition of Nat on bass and keys.
Phreely’s characteristic laid-back temperament
got a stretching thanks to the ‘technical difficulties’
that cropped up during inopportune moments in
the set. The guys held it together and rode it out,
demonstrating that strong songwriting will get you
out of most troubles.
With his band in tow and a debut album about
to drop, Old Man River was in fine form. “Is
anyone feeling the full moon energy tonight?”
And if you weren’t, then the psychadelica
infused folk/rock show soon sorted that out
despite some feedback in the mix. The set
mixed the old - from the Sunshine EP – a couple
of new numbers, and as an unexpected treat,
a cover of Dan Bern’s Marilyn. The winner of
the “sing your lungs out” competition joined the
band onstage for the final number and wielded
a tambourine with finesse.
I think it’s safe to say that Thirsty Merc’s audience
have missed them, if the sold out show and
thunderous applause is anything to go by. Boasting
one of the sexiest lighting shows to grace the ‘Dale
stage in a long while, the band previewed new
tracks, Hard Way, She’s All I Got, 20 Good Reasons,
from the forthcoming album with the big singles
and crowd favourites off their debut work. It was
big cheers, sing-alongs, clap-alongs, some serious
arse-shaking and cheesy grins all round from
musos and punters alike. “Is anyone else as hot as
us? Hang on, I’ll rephrase that…”
A few dodgy crackles in the first few numbers were
a quickly sorted, unwelcome distraction that was
forgotten by the time Rai led the call and response
on new number The Vision. Definitely a tune with
its glam hat on – think Deep Purple meets Michael
Jackson – other highlights included Wasting Time,
Someday Someday and Get Over Myself. Encore
number Emancipate Myself found itself spiced up
with some funky ‘70s grooves, before the band
and fans renewed their acquaintance with the
‘Merc-andise’ table. Not a bad way to kick-start a
tour eh?
