Thirsty Merc

“They've got it all – unstoppably catchy melodies, big harmonies, intelligent lyrics that still remain securely in the pop tradition, a band sound that can still stretch out well beyond the standard pop arrangement, and the ability to surprise while throwing enough hints at the best of pop's past to show they have drunk from the well deeply and with a clear-eyed passion..They're cheeky, romantic, nostalgic and even mildly bombastic where it's warranted, and that's a beautiful thing.” - Michael Smith - Drum Media

"Just after we were beginning to think that Thirsty Merc were Australia’s next big ‘pub band’ it seems strange to say that on Saturday night, they played Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. After having packed out venues like Sydney’s Annandale Hotel countless times and a string of rather radio friendly singles the boys from Dubbo managed to completely fill the popular Newtown theatre, possibly even more so than Silverchair a few weeks prior. Whilst trying to introduce their fans to new music and 3 new band members – a horns section – that added a little character and sophistication to the band’s set.
Starting their set with the first track – She’s All I Got – off their new album ‘Slideshows’ it was clear that ‘The Merc’ didn’t have to do much to impress this Sydney crowd. From the moment lead singer, Rai Thistlethwayte appeared on stage it was clear there’d be no stopping the squeals from the many females in the audience...
Just as it was starting to look like a one man show, fellow band member’s Sean Carey, Phil Stack and Karl Robertson played their hearts out, even encouraging crowd sing-alongs to popular hits like ‘Someday Someday’ and ‘that song is played everywhere’ hit of 2006 ‘In The Summertime’.
After more screamers (one particular had a unique sound and was invited to have a scream on stage), some surprise songs (such as ‘No Sugar’ from the band’s first EP ‘First Work) Thirsty Merc had the crowd wrapped around their little fingers.
Finishing off their set with a rather pretty, jazz blues song entitled ‘Homesick” the band showed their versatility and skill as musicians. Most importantly, they reminded everyone why they deserve to be in the spotlight. and why their new album ‘Slideshows’ reinforces the faith we instilled in them in the first place." - Fasterlouder

“When Thirsty Merc burst onto the scene a couple of years ago, they were the perfect antidote to dreary Aussie pop-rock; inventive, melodic and armed with an explosive frontman whose scathing, self-deprecating sense of humour predated the Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner.
But in 2007, the climate has shifted. Witty wordplay has become a standard expectation of any band attempting to blitz the charts (see: Kaiser Chiefs, Panic! At The Disco, et al). Accordingly, on Slideshows, Rai Thistlethwayte and co. revert to their most attractive quality, one which took the back row to the hyper-manic lyricism of their debut – their musicianship. As a band comprised of jazz circuit veterans, Thirsty Merc have talent in spades, and it shines on this sophomore effort. Take the deliciously vicious The Vision, which mixes up a crunching shuffle with rapid fire quaver vocals, creating a meter mash-up worthy of fusion.
Elsewhere, it's the straightforward ballads which bespeak the power of the record; simple unadorned tracks like 20 Good Reasons are refreshingly honest love songs that manage not to drown in cliché. These tunes are unabashedly designed for radio and Rai's pipes certainly get a good workout. Fans of the droll cynicism of Thirsty Merc's debut may be disappointed, but enthusiasts will recognize a maturation of sound that is still uniquely Australian.” - Jonno Seidler - The Brag