Forming in 2017, Old Mervs started garnering attention after the release of their debut EP in 2022, and the duo, consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist David House and Henry Carrington-Jones, have been kicking goals rapidly in the three years since. Hitting #38 on the most recent Triple J’s Hottest 100 with their single “What you’ve Lost”, the pair have also sold out their biggest headline tour across Australia and New Zealand, and have made their UK live debut with a string of headlining shows, including a sold-out show in London. Today, Old Mervs release their highly-anticipated self-titled debut album, and it’s easy to see why success has found them so quickly.
The album kicks off with “Parched,” an already well-loved track, that serves as an ideal opener with its upbeat energy and catchy melody. This one also featured on Triple J’s Hottest 200, reaching #105, and it’s easy to see why. It’s both relaxing and invigorating, showcasing the duo’s knack for creating music that’s as much about feel as it is about technicality. “See You Again” follows, with a twangy guitar intro and stripped-back vocals. The lyrics here are a bit basic, but the vocals sound absolutely fantastic, and the gradual build in the song makes it really stand out.
One of the album’s highlights, “What You’ve Lost,” perfectly captures the band’s essence. It’s chirpy, full of life, and offers an infectious hook that makes it a standout. Having already secured its place at #38 on the Hottest 100, it’s no surprise that it has become a fan favourite. The lively and fun energy it brings to the album makes it one of the most memorable tracks. Following that, “Best I Know” offers a contrast, slowing things down with a raw, acoustic-driven ballad. The song is stripped back, allowing House’s vocals to really shine. There’s something incredibly earnest and authentic about this track—while the lyrics might be simple, they feel deeply personal. The instrumental arrangements are minimal, but they hit all the right notes, making it a beautiful moment on the album.
“Forget It” brings a return to an upbeat vibe, with a fun, Kooks-esque feel thanks to a jangly guitar riff. I personally really love the beginning of this song, but it peaks a bit too early with the rest of the track feeling a little monotonous. “Waiting,” on the other hand, has a quieter, more introspective feel. It’s completely stripped back- just vocals and acoustic guitar, and almost sounds as though it’s a live recording in the best way. It’s deeply intimate, and feels like a moment to pause and breathe, offering something a little different from the rest of the album.
“Don’t Go” is one of the new tracks which I think will deeply resonate with listeners. It’s catchy from start to finish, with a chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head. The track exudes energy, and it’s easy to imagine it being a crowd favourite when performed live. The momentum continues with “Everyone Will See It,” a slightly more rock-driven track that’s already been released. While it’s certainly a solid song, there are other tracks on the album that feel more dynamic, leaving this one a bit overshadowed by its more energetic counterparts.
“Feel It” offers another tender, slower moment, much like “Best I Know” and “Waiting.” The track’s intimate feel is paired with a sense of vulnerability that’s quite appealing. The album reaches its closing stages with “Focus,” and there’s just something about this track that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s got this lovely, slow-dance kind of vibe, that reminds me of the end of a long night. It’s incredibly charming, and the lyrics here are some of the most authentic on the album, with the track slowly building and evolving into a truly captivating piece.
The album finishes strong with “Steady,” which serves as the perfect closer. The song starts off mellow but soon builds into an electrifying rock anthem. The classic rock feel, with its electric guitar riffs and swelling energy, gives the record a satisfying sense of closure.
This record is really something special, made all the more impressive by the fact that it’s a debut. The instrumentation is fantastic, with so many interesting moments throughout making it a captivating listen. Lyrically, there’s a little bit of room for improvement, but despite this, the tracks remain fun and catchy, and the quiet moments are nicely scattered throughout, knowing their place and providing a nice contrast with the more upbeat songs. Old Mervs have truly proven themselves with this release, crafting an album that feels authentic, exciting and effortlessly enjoyable. Old Mervs are just getting started, and if this debut is anything to go by, the future is incredibly bright.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Old Mervs is out now – grab a copy HERE
