Thirsty Merc

Source: Coke CD Reviews

Author: Tim Cashmere

Date Published: Tuesday Aug 03rd, 2004

Sydney’s Thirsty Merc, named after singer Rai Thistlethwayte’s petrol guzzling Mercedes, has finally released their debut, self titled album. While the self titled angle is more than just a little overdone, rock ‘n’ roll has never sounded so delightfully pop orientated.

This album opens with a touch of eccentricity in ‘My Completeness’. This fast rock tune is brilliantly recorded and catchy as hell. The band contrasts this with their inescapable ability to write an original rock tune, a’la ‘Emancipate Myself’.

Thirsty Merc’s most defining sound is Rai’s way of squeezing words into seemingly impossible sentences. Just like in the cleverly titled ‘I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge (So I Can Get Over Myself)’ as he shouts “Do you take credit card ahhh f*ck this!” before launching into the umpteenth chorus.

‘Someday, Someday’ is the band in one of their slower moments, although unlike so many rock bands, this is not a dull moment on the album, although perhaps if the entire album was like this their audience might be catching a few z’s.

That melodic rock ‘n’ roll kicks back into full gear with ‘Baby Tell Me I’m The Only One’ and the single ‘Wasting Time’. By this point if you haven’t decided Thirsty Merc are a great rock band, I don’t know what you’re thinking.

‘Thirsty Merc’ is one of the best alternative rock albums to come from a great local Sydney band. This is well worth forking out the cash… at least check them out when they’re on tour!