Oh Mercy’s Alexander Gow has much to be proud of - not least the band’s well-received new album, When We Talk About Love.
Written across three American cities and then home, Alex has described Oh Mercy's album as his most personal to date.
“Its genetics are the sum of my musical loves. Bacharach, Cohen, The Triffids. Grand, proud and not self-conscious. I accessed all that I’ve learnt, all that I know, or think I know, and importantly, all that I love, to create this record.”
Having recently sold out their Sydney and Melbourne shows, their up-coming national tour will be the first for Oh Mercy since Alex returned home to Australia to record the album.
The When We Talk About Love tour visits Perth, Fremantle and other national cities or the first time since 2012 and it’s also the first tour for the new bandmates - Oh Mercy now features keys, viola, drums, bass and occasional second guitarist.
PRIMOLife: Tell us who you are and what you do.
Alexander Gow: I’m cold. Over-caffeinated. I play the guitar and do a great job of making my life difficult.
PL: What do you sing in the shower?
AG: Dusty Springfield - Just A Little Lovin’ (Early In The Morning).
PL: Who are your musical heroes?
AG: David McComb and Leonard Cohen.
PL: What’s on your Spotify/iPod playlist at the moment?
AG: John Cale’s Paris 1919.
PL Who would be your dream musical mentor or collaborator?
AG: Burt Bacharach.
PL: Tell us about your new album.
AG: It’s the kind of album you can play your mum.
PL: What do you love about Perth/WA?
AG: The Triffids. The Blackeyed Susans. Tame Impala. Dave Faulkner. Kim Salmon. Pond. The Growl. Simon Okely.
PL: What are you looking forward to most.
AG: Living with a woman who resembles 11Rachel Ward in Fortress.
PL: How would you sum up your fashion style?
AG: The best.
When We Talk About Love is out now. Book tickets to Oh Mercy’s shows at Mojos, Fremantle on September 18 (mojosbar.com.au) and the Rosemount in Perth on September 19 (rosemounthoteloztix.com.au)
