Oh Mercy tell Bobbysix about their new album artwork!

Considering the acoustic loveliness they purvey, you might not have been expecting Oh Mercy's new album cover to look like the above picture. In a Bobbysix.com exclusive, the Melbourne band's frontman and songwriter Alexander Gow writes a few words about the choice of artwork:

"There's a great tradition in modern music that shines a proud spotlight on feminine beauty by the way of album art selection. It is a playful tradition. It is erotic. But beyond all it is one of worship. Bowing in delight and pleasure to the overwhelming power of woman. Placing that majesty on pedestal to awe and inspire man and woman alike."

"Martin Denny subscribed in the late 50's and 60's.
Roxy Music made an institution of it.
Prince gave nude man power a nod by appearing naked on Pegasus on the back cover of Prince 1979."

"Selecting art for an album cover is a unique opportunity and one that I am thankful to have.
It's a lot of fun."

If the album's sound is as daring and bold as its cover art, then we're in for a treat. It's set to drop in August. Keep up to date with Oh Mercy on Facebook. In the meantime, have a sneak listen to their upcoming single and check out their Australian tour dates below.

Confess your sins to Oh Mercy

To celebrate the release of their iTunes exclusive single Confessions and B-side Memories (triple j Live At The Wireless), along with their cinema-style film clip (above), Oh Mercy have gotten themselves a Tumblr. And not just your usual kinda Tumblr, where indie chicks post photos of their girl-crushes and funny pictures of cats, but a bespoke place for people to tell the world their confessions and memories. 

Yep, Oh Mercy want you to send them a postcard, with either a memory or confession or a combination of the two. It can be anonymous or not. So get confessing and reminiscing today. Postcards can be emailed to ohmercy@milefiremanagement.com or snail mailed to Oh Mercy, PO Box 311 Balaclava VIC 3183, Australia.

Have a look at what Oh Mercy have received thus far by visiting their Tumblr.

Have a kickabout with Oh Mercy! Dress like the Pet Shop Boys! Play on one of Katy Perry's bouncers! All for charity!

Following the horrific occurrences in Japan recently - in which more than 8,000 people died, thousands are injured and at least 12,000 are missing - it's not surprising that people are pulling together to help. In the music world, the EMI family have been rummaging through their cupboards in search of treasures they can auction to raise some much needed cash that will help to rebuild a country in which 14,000 homes were destroyed and around 100,000 damaged.

This week, heaps of ebay auctions end on some pretty amazing items - with all proceeds going to Red Cross Japan Relief. If you've got a few bob, you might want to bid on Deadmau5's diamonte Mau5head. Or maybe you fancy a signed Bowie back catalogue. Or, if you're feeling particularly macho, you could wear this Pet Shop Boys cube jacket to your local boozer. Then of course, there is Katy Perry's cupcake trampoline. Try having a go on that without squealing like an overexcited schoolgirl. There are heaps of other items too, like hand-written Pet Sounds lyrics and one of B-52's guitars.

There's a chance though, that all of the above are slightly out of your price range. They certainly are for us. However, here's an affordable and fun one that might appeal to the Australians amongst you. Melbourne's Oh Mercy (Alexander pictured below) are offering a bit of a kickabout with the winning bidder and four of their mates, as well as some signed stuff and a few photo opportunities. Sounds like an awesome afternoon to us, and all in the name of a very, very good cause. If you feel like testing your AFL skills against Alexander, Rohan, Simon and Eliza, while simultaneously doing a good deed, you can bid here. Meanwhile, check out all of the listings here.

Words by Rob Townsend

Oh Mercy's Australian tour kicks off today

From today, Melbourne's Oh Mercy celebrate the launch of their second long-player, Great Barrier Grief, with a tour of their home country. Excitingly, at times they'll be venturing paths that aren't always trodden by bands, which is why, tonight, residents of the Blue Mountains can get involved in the musical awesomeness. They'll be ably supported by delightful Victorian songstress Gossling.

Here are the dates...
23/03/11 Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
24/03/11 The Patch, Wollongong - additional support from Tin Sparrow
25/03/11 Oxford Art Factory, Sydney - additional support from Tin Sparrow
26/03/11 Northern Star, Newcastle - additional support from Tin Sparrow
31/03/11 Neverland Bar, Gold Coast - additional support from Founds
1/04/11 Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane - additional support from Montpellier
7/04/11 Karova Lounge, Ballarat - additional support by The Ocean Party
8/04/11 Corner Hotel, Melbourne, additional support by The Ocean Party
10/04/11 Jive Bar, Adelaide - additional support by Leader Cheetah DJs
30/04/11 Amplifier - Perth additional support by Ruby Boots
1/05/11 Mojo's, Fremantle - additional support by Ruby Boots

Words by Rob Townsend.