Old Mervs: Leading Australia’s Garage-Rock Revival with Their Latest Single “Sweetheart”
Old Mervs have perfected a winning formula: crafting irresistibly catchy hooks, layering them with breezy guitars and drums, and writing lyrics that encapsulate the vibrant, emotional journey of growing up and getting older. Since breaking onto the scene with lo-fi hits like “Stick It Out” and “Honey”, the duo has become a key player in Australia’s garage-rock resurgence, attracting a loyal fan base across the country.
Formed by Dave House and Henry Carrington-Jones in Western Australia, Old Mervs' rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Bonded over a shared passion for jamming and having fun, they developed their signature sound during countless hours spent in a makeshift rehearsal space on Henry’s family farm. Those early sessions paid off as the band quickly earned a reputation for delivering slick, energetic live performances that wowed audiences throughout WA.
Their journey soon led to support slots for some of Australia’s biggest tours, featuring icons like Liam Gallagher, The Wombats, and Spacey Jane. Alongside these live successes, Old Mervs released a series of standout singles, including the driving 2020 track “Cellphone” and 2021’s infectiously upbeat “Wait Around”.
In 2022, the band unveiled their debut EP Get Better, which marked a major milestone in their musical evolution. Collaborating with renowned producer Dave Parkin (Sly Withers, Spacey Jane), the EP further solidified their status as one of Australia’s most exciting bands.
Now, Old Mervs return with “Sweetheart”, their highly anticipated first single of 2023, signaling the start of a new era. Drawing inspiration from the likes of DMA’s, classic British indie acts, and The Strokes, “Sweetheart” originated during a writing trip in Denmark, WA. According to Henry, “We booked an Airbnb and went in fresh. It was never forced—we just wanted to jam and write together, away from Perth.”
With no deadlines looming, the duo poured their energy into crafting their next chapter. Produced alongside Parkin at Black Sound Studio, “Sweetheart” came to life from a blend of song ideas that were stitched together into a dynamic final cut. Its lyrics, exploring the frustrations of flaky friends while acknowledging that we’ve all been guilty of it, add a relatable touch to the track’s undeniable charm.
Propulsive, tight, and unapologetically fun, “Sweetheart” feels like classic Old Mervs with a fresh twist, showcasing their growth and ambition. As the first taste of what’s to come, “Sweetheart” reaffirms Old Mervs’ status as one of Australia’s most exciting rising bands.
