The indie rock sensation, Old Mervs, hailing from the small town of Kojonup, recently experienced a surreal moment that surpassed their wildest dreams. Just three years after sharing the stage with Liam Gallagher, the iconic Oasis co-founder, the duo found themselves headlining a show at the esteemed HPC arena in Claremont. This remarkable journey marked the culmination of their Australian tour, celebrating the release of their latest self-titled album.
As the clock approached 9:45 pm, the electrifying atmosphere at the arena crackled with anticipation. AC/DC’s iconic tunes reverberated through the venue, setting the stage for Old Mervs to kick off their performance with the infectious rhythm of “Sweetheart.” Dave House’s mesmerizing vocals intertwined with Henry Carrington-Jones’ pulsating drumbeats, captivating the audience from the first note.
Amidst the sea of eager fans, Carrington-Jones boomed their signature greeting, “How the fark are ya?” His exuberance filled the air as he acknowledged the crowd, acknowledging the significance of concluding their tour in Western Australia, a place they held dear. The duo seamlessly transitioned through their setlist, weaving in both familiar classics and fresh tracks from their latest album.
Reflecting on their musical journey, Carrington-Jones reminisced about the pivotal moment when they shared the stage with Gallagher and The Wombats years ago, a milestone that once seemed unimaginable. The duo’s genuine astonishment at their current success was palpable, especially considering the vast difference in audience size between their hometown and the vibrant crowd before them.
Throughout the night, the audience’s energy surged, with some fans hoisted on shoulders, reveling in the euphoria of the moment. Amidst the pulsating beats of “Out Of Luck,” “Where I’ll Go,” and “Focus,” a sense of camaraderie and joy permeated the venue. Notably, the band incorporated a unique prop into their performance – Carrington-Jones’ father’s vintage car, featured on their album cover. This unexpected addition added a touch of nostalgia and spectacle to the show, captivating the audience in a new way.
As the night progressed, Old Mervs continued to enthrall the crowd with their soul-stirring melodies, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty, featuring a special guest appearance by Jimmy, lead singer of The Vanns. The evening concluded on a poignant note, symbolizing not just a musical performance but a shared experience of connection and celebration.
The convergence of past memories, present achievements, and future aspirations painted a vivid tapestry of Old Mervs’ musical evolution. Their journey from humble beginnings in Kojonup to headlining a prestigious venue like HPC underscored the transformative power of passion and perseverance in the world of music. As the echoes of their performance lingered in the air, one thing became clear – Old Mervs had not just played a show; they had crafted an unforgettable narrative of dreams fulfilled and horizons expanded.
