Inspire: Great Southern indie rockers Old Mervs hoping to make Triple J Hottest 100 with Sweetheart

Since hitting their stride three years ago, Dave House and Henry Carrington-Jones of indie rock two-piece Old Mervs haven’t spent a lot of time on the farm. With their recent EP Leave That scoring the band second place on the ARIA charts, there’s a good chance Old Mervs will land themselves a coveted spot on this year’s Triple J Hottest 100 and put Kojonup on the Australian alternative music map. “We’re at the point where we don’t spend too much time in Kojonup anymore that’s for sure,” House said. “We’re spending a fair bit of time on the road now. “It’s quite enjoyable playing music and touring around the country and all that sort of carry-on — it’s not too hard not to miss drenching in 40 degree heat in summer.” Drumsticks and guitar might have replaced the drenching gun but Old Mervs’ music and videos are infused with country tones and a farm aesthetic. “It’s a point of difference and a unique spot to be in, coming from a farming background in the music industry,” House said. “It’s not our whole identity but it’s sort of nice to show where you come from. “The press usually call it surf rock — at first we didn’t know what that was.” With a broad range of musical influences including blues, rock and the British pub scene, the duo’s dynamic has hit the mark and seen them tour in support of The Wombats, Spacey Jane and Liam Gallagher. “It’s funny songwriting with two people, you’ve only really got drums and rhythm guitar,” House said. “When we’re writing, it’s quite intentional and melody-driven. “It’s fun writing as a two-piece and it’s good having two people touring as well, there’s less people to worry about — it’s how it’s always been and how it’s always worked.” After grazing the Triple J Hottest 100 last year, the band are in with a chance to go one better with hit-track Sweetheart enjoying solid air time. “We were thinking we’d be like 563,” House said. “I think we got to 123, it was definitely not expected. “When it got played, I think it was the third or fourth time that song had been on the radio so it was probably as much of a shock to the radio station, it was a nice little tick of approval and a good achievement I suppose.” House and Carrington-Jones will be getting together with a few mates in Margaret River to listen to this year’s countdown. “It’d be a surreal sort of feeling,” House said of making the iconic list. “You grow up listening to it and it’s quite a monumental day for young crew. “It’s sort of weird — literally a couple of years ago we were playing in Henry’s horse stable sounding like absolute garbage but we’re obviously not as bad anymore.” Votes for this year’s Hottest 100 close on January 22 and can be made via the Hottest 100 website. The countdown listening party takes place on January 27.