Sonically, Oh Mercy have changed dramatically since their sophomore album Great Barrier Grief was released last year. But more pointedly frontman Alexander Gow’s lyrics focus less on his personal life as he adopts various personas for Deep Heat.
At the end of ‘My Man’ – where he sings from the perspective of a psychotic woman – the question is asked; “is there any kinda real life inspiration for this one?”
Gow replies: “nah!”
This time around he’s a little less tender (or whiny – take your pick) – as the band’s third LP oozes with an infusion of passion and sex appeal, finding Oh Mercy breaking out of their shell and finding an 80s dancefloor full of intent.
You can no longer accuse the outfit of being boring or safe as Gow howls and yelps throughout the many funk heavy tracks of the record.
While there is no denying that the band employ their grittiest bass heavy tactics yet to get their audience to dance, it’s worth pointing out that rather than tearing up the floor at the next party you attend, you’re more likely to groove to the point where you’re able to make plenty of puns about the year 1979.
In fact, while Deep Heat might influence your body to spontaneously move, you can’t help but feel a nostalgia for the era the band so clearly celebrates; but rather than feel like a cheap knock-off, Oh Mercy manage to look effortlessly suave in the process.
The album builds up a steady repertoire of consistency from the outset, with brooding sentiments maximised on the title track and the earnestly piano-led ‘Pilgrim’s Blues’.
The record does lose it’s lustre – thankfully briefly – on the reggae detour of ‘Still Making Me Pay’, which lacks the vibrancy that makes the rest of Deep Heat a worthy listen.
Oh Mercy’s decision to craft an album that is far removed from last year’s Great Barrier Grief and 2009’s Privileged Woes is not only inspired, but a smart career move. While it opens them up to a different audience, more importantly, it keeps the band interesting.
Deep Heat is an intoxicating listen which ensures that when people think of Oh Mercy, this is the record that people will most likely remember.
– Corey Tonkin
