Mermaid Avenue, hailing from Brisbane/Meanjin, returns with their third album, ‘Loveday No. 9,’ and it’s a testament to their dedication to exploring the intricacies of human relationships through music. What sets this band apart is their unwavering refusal to be confined to a single musical genre. Across 10 tracks, they venture from Americana to alt-country and indie rock, embodying a genre-agnostic spirit that makes their musical journey one worth embarking upon.
The primary songwriter and singer of the band, Pete Clarke, aptly expresses their approach: “Writing a song to fit a genre doesn’t work for us. Many of our songs start out as one thing and end up another as we chip away what doesn’t work to find what does.” This genre-fluid attitude has paid dividends, with their songs consistently reaching the finals of global songwriting competitions since 2019. Mark Egan, the band’s bassist, humorously adds, “One day we’ll win one, but until then, it’s a diet of participation ribbons for us.”
‘Loveday No. 9’ is a testament to Mermaid Avenue’s fearless musical explorations. This album adheres to their tradition of allowing songs to organically find their own path. It’s a departure from the norm, with each track proudly bearing the band’s distinctive essence. Their commitment to this organic evolution shines through, transcending the confines of predefined musical styles.
A prime example of this approach is found in the album’s bookending masterpiece, ‘Embers of Fires Gone.’ This powerful track graces listeners in two versions: one adorned with enchanting piano solos (Track 1) and the other enriched by the melancholic embrace of lap steel.
Beyond the musical brilliance, ‘Loveday No. 9’ represents a pivotal moment of evolution for Mermaid Avenue. It marks a bittersweet transition as the band bids farewell to their long-serving drummer, Tony Judd. As they venture into new creative realms, they find a fresh sonic canvas within the welcoming embrace of Ian Haug’s Airlock Studios, nestled amidst the scenic Samford Hills. Notably, this album also unveils a captivating collaboration with artist Sheena Usher, whose visual artistry graces some of the single covers, further enriching the album’s artistic tapestry.
Delving deeper into their musical repertoire, ‘Loveday No. 9′ offers a multi-faceted experience. In addition to their original compositions, the album includes a treasure trove of remixed tracks from the band’s second album. These remixes, thoughtfully curated by Recordworks’ maestro Jason Millhouse, provide a fresh perspective that complements the overarching narrative of Mermaid Avenue’s musical journey. As ‘Loveday No. 9’ resonates through speakers and headphones, it encapsulates not only the soulful spectrum of Mermaid Avenue’s signature sound but also their ongoing commitment to growth, exploration, and authenticity.
Mermaid Avenue, a Brisbane/Meanjin-based band, is celebrated for their genre-defying musical approach. Seamlessly weaving elements of Americana, alt-country, and indie rock, they have consistently stayed true to their distinctive style while embracing evolution. With a trail of albums that each tells a unique story, their music is a testament to artistic integrity and sonic exploration.
‘Loveday No. 9’ is the latest chapter in Mermaid Avenue’s musical odyssey, inviting listeners to join them on an immersive journey through soundscapes and emotions.
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