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Canberra’s Transit Bar is frequented by all of Canberra’s hip and trendy because of the awesome new talent that play there before they hit big. Wednesday night was an example of this, with Triple J up-and-comers Oh Mercy stopping by on their Privileged Woes tour, with support band Washington to launch their debut album.

With a great turnout for a Wednesday night, it was hard to find a seat in the warm mellow atmosphere outside the bar. In fact, outside in the beautiful Spring night was where most people were found, if they hadn’t been lucky enough to snag a pool table.

Four piece band Washington was up first, ready to get the place in the mood. Fronted by Karen-O lookalike Megan Washington, the indie band took to the stage just after 9.00. After a quick soundcheck, the band grabbed their instruments and encouraged everyone sitting outside to come check them out inside.

They started with a quick hello, introducing the band and trying to warm up the crowd. After just releasing their debut EP How to Tame Lions, Washington has a lot to prove to potential fans, and they proceeded to do just that with style.

Smooth guitar and funky basslines ensured a number of dancers up the front, some more enthusiastic than others. Megan’s voice, jazzy and strong, seemed at times whiney, but is a major drawing point of the band. However, it seemed that although most of the audience was indeed paying attention, they weren’t really – œgetting into’ the alternative/folksy vibe. Triple J favourite Cement was met with a more animated feeling, but overall the atmosphere seemed forced and the band weren’t met with the enthusiasm they will undoubtedly get when they are a little more well-known.

Next up, Triple J Unearthed band Oh Mercy took to the stage. Usually a 2 piece, they travel around as a four piece, thus allowing them to play around with instruments and arrangements during a set. The Melbournites have been regulars in Canberra this year, recently supporting Little Birdy.

Taking to the stage at 10.30 after the crowd started to get impatient, singer Alexander Gow greeted the crowd with – œHello, it’s nice to be here’. Ever the gentleman. The mass quickly filtered back into the bar, after taking off to fresh air once Washington had finished. Swelling to Transit capacity, the audience had obviously heard whispers of goodness about the boys from Oh Mercy, given their newly forged reputation as – œindie darlings’.

Sounding very much like Augie March, Oh Mercy is a mix of indie-rock and slow-pop ballads. Gow’s effeminate voice unites well with the pretty melodies, but with enough intensity to bring out a rockier edge. The band gave the audience easy-listening tales of love and one particular song about a high school teacher who became a pseudo-stalker, which is kinda romantic, in a disturbing sort of way.

One main problem came in the form of annoying distortion in the beginning, but all the sound problems were fixed swiftly and effectively. The gathering of dancers up the front of Transit didn’t seem to mind any technical problems. However, a word to the wise: harmonica’s are never a good idea through an amp.

The crowd started to die down by 11.00, but the waning audience members were treated to some mellow indie-rock, by some of the nicest guys in the music business. Oh Mercy will undoubtedly be moving onto big things, and their debut release Privileged Woes is a worthwhile purchase.

CHECK OUT THE FL GALLERY HERE!