Q&A with Oh Mercy’s Alex Gow

You said in an interview last year that although you ‘adored’ the first album, you still felt ‘apologetic’ about it in some ways. How does Great Barrier Grief differ from Privileged Woes?

The difference was I was conscious that I was recording an album. And that Oh Mercy had a platform do to a bit of luck and some hard work around Privileged Woes. I knew people were going to hear the album and take it seriously. That was a great relief.

Why the title?

I liked how it read in capital letters. I like saying it. I like it’s bittersweet connotations. I’m interested in the concept of ‘grief’.

Do you think your writing style has changed much with Thom’s departure?

My writing remains the same. Thom’s writing remains the same. We didn’t actually write songs together in Oh Mercy, although we complimented each other musically and I think you can hear that on the Oh Mercy albums.

What characterizes that token ‘Australian’ sound?

Subtracting ‘token’; the Australian sound is abstract to me. In the 80’s there was an ‘Australian sound’, it had a lot to do with delay, chorus and organ pads. Today, I don’t know. But I understand that there is a certain angle to the lyric writing for some Australian bands. It’s dignified and doesn’t need to show all its cards at once.

Favourite song on the album to play?

Blue Lagoon. The guitar break out of the bridge is a musical highlight on the album for me.

What tunes are playing on tour?

The best of the Bee Gees and Leonard Cohen’s Death Of A Ladies Man.

Last record you bought?

The best of the Bee Gees.

How did you go about pitching the album cover idea to Ken?

I asked nicely. Shared with him my views on art, literature and lifestyle. I feel incredibly lucky that he agreed to work with us…

What’s ahead for Oh Mercy?

A national tour starting mid March. After that I hope to find the time to do some writing.

Ken Done, tea-towels as band merch, what piece of Australiana are you going to nab next?

…Souvenir spoons.

‘Great Barrier Grief’ (EMI) is out now.
www.ohmercy.com.au