Oh Mercy

Alex Gow of Oh Mercy

“So now I’m just going to express my emotions through music… If you haven’t realized yet I’m making fun of myself.”

Honest and charming are two words that can be used to describe Alex Gow, lead singer of Oh Mercy. But perhaps modest would be more fitting.

The record not only captures his emotions, but also ours. More than anything Great Barrier Grief explores the intricacies that underlie all relationships.

 “It’s meeting an incredibly beautiful person, but having a mental or physical barrier between you,” Alex explains.

Live, Alex makes it seem effortless as he casually meanders through a set - he is a skilled guitarist to say the least. Although, most memorable are his moving lyrics.

the bell had the chance to ask Alex a little more...

Did the writing and recording process of Great Barrier Grief happen to differ to that of your previous record Privileged Woes?

The writing process was the same. Me and my acoustic guitar. Trying to write a better song than the previous one. 

"Great Barrier Grief is like sailing on a beautiful boat in a calm blue sea…only there’s a shadow moving under the water,” Paul Kelly.

Whilst the record maintains Oh Mercy's warm sound there seem to be undertones of anxiety, was this something that happened consciously?

I didn't realize it came across that way. I suppose I'm an anxious person. I'm not surprised it translated into my song writing.

Oh Mercy has often drawn comparisons to iconic Australian bands such as the Triffids and the Go Betweens. Is it true to say these bands have provided inspiration along the way?

It's a matter of fact. I love those bands. If I could be half as good as those bands I would be happy.

What do you feel has been the most rewarding aspect of producing Great Barrier Grief?

Meeting Mitchell [American producer - Crowded House, Pearl Jam] Being allowed to witness his incredible intelligence and passion was incredibly rewarding.

You can buy Great Barrier Grief online at Itunes or drop into any JB/any other reliable music store

Follow Oh Mercy on myspace, facebook and twitter.

A moment with Oh Mercy