An enthusiastic crowd filled the Charles Hotel for night two of an eight show WA run for indie/alternative rockers Thirsty Merc and by God did they leave their mark on an energy-filled room by the end of the night.
The evening began with Government Grunge warming the crowd with their cover-laden set filled with Foo Fighters/Pearl Jam type vibes and were received well by the building audience.
The room was a buzz by the time Thirsty Merc entered the stage, albeit a little later than scheduled but they immediately put that behind them as they launched into the fantastic opener in ‘My Completeness’. Tonight, we were treated with a blast through the band’s back catalogue, which now stretches almost twenty years. Front man Rai Thistlethwayte led the troops with a cheeky smile as they continued the musical onslaught with ‘The Good Life’ from 2015’s Shifting Gears album before we were told about the idea behind the writing of ‘The Hard way’, a song inspired by a talk between father and son and one that really hits home as to how good this band gel with their harmonies with bass player Phil Stack & guitarist Matt Smith completing their incredible sound. ‘Someday, Someday’ was introduced by Stack and we were encouraged to join in with this “sing-along version”, which everyone of course did and in fine voice.
Thistlethwayte teased the keys with an extended opening for the wonderful ‘Mousetrap Heart’ with Ben Vanderwal showing his talents behind the kit with a brisk drum-filled interlude, before we were treated to the catchy and almost anthemic ‘All My Life’ before speeding things up with ‘I Wish Somebody Would Build A Bridge’. ‘Undivided Love’ (thanks Ben) led us into fan favourite ‘Tommy and Krista’ before the highlight of the night for many in the room – ’20 Good Reasons’ has become a standout song on its own but live it really is something else. It’s a song for all; not only a crowd sing-along, a slow dance for lovers, and great mates-bonding anthem…it brings a room together and tonight was no different. Where do you go from a song like that?? ‘In The Summertime’ of course… a real “light the touch paper and stand back moment” as the band left the Charles Hotel stage to rapturous applause. The Merc were coaxed back with one final song, a cover of John Williamson’s ‘RIP RIP Woodchip’ from their latest album release ‘Celebration’ to finish a night of high-quality entertainment.
Thirsty Merc continue their WA shows throughout the rest of July before playing countrywide during August & September. Thanks to Starr Special Events Australia for continuing to bring WA live music of such quality.
Set List: My Completeness, The Good Life, The Hard Way, Someday Someday, Mousetrap Heart, All My Life, I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge, Undivided Love, Tommy & Krista, 20 Good Reasons, In the Summertime
Encore: RIP RIP Woodchip
GALLERY by Rossco Hunter
