Oh Mercy, Gossling @ ANU Bar,Canberra (6/4/11)

Sun 10th Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Stopping by in the capital on a sleepy Wednesday evening as part of their Great Barrier Grief album tour, Melbourne’s Oh Mercy played to a small crowd in an unusually quiet and sombre ANU Bar, gracing those who ventured out for some mid-week entertainment with a hearty serving of warm and beautiful indie art rock.

A hesitant and inattentive crowd of homogeneous hipster types gathered for Helen Croome, a la Gossling, a young Melbournian singer songwriter who cast a solitary figure under the lights of the stage with just her voice and forlorn minimalist keys. Awkwardly standing away from the stage in the shadows, most people seemed more interested in chatting than paying too much attention to the wispy, almost ethereal vocals of Gossling. Summoning the obvious comparisons to the likes of Sarah Blasko and Lisa Mitchell with a set of songs drenched with fragility and a light, wispy delicacy, Gossling cemented a new following to those who paid attention, converting her audience with an enchanting and intriguing set.

Whilst most people seemed to be more interested in each other and culling weight from their wallet at the bar during the opening act, by the time Oh Mercy took to the stage most people seemed more comfortable with standing up close and casting aside the awkwardness that clung to the air thus far. A grateful and humble group, Oh Mercy thanked those who trekked out to see them on the night, playing a wonderfully balanced set list that contrasted the subtle nuances and growth in-between releases. Strong performances from all members, in addition to a great mix made for a lovely performance that upon its conclusion left a smile on the faces of those there and the songs playing back on repeat inside one’s head for the rest of the night.

Hopefully next time Oh Mercy come to visit on a weekend and manage to attract a deservedly larger audience. Their music certainly warrants it.