AINSLEY DOBSON chats with ASH MOSS of MERCY ARMS about Brisbane crowds, Levi jeans and why their singer has no surname.

It’s been a big year for Sydney indie rockers Mercy Arms. Mere weeks have separated the four-piece band’s national tours alongside Cut Copy and The Horrors – a break, one might say, from playing back-to-back Sydney shows, supporting the Pixies and Editors, and prepping for their September EP release.

The Mercy Arms boys met through various gigs and clubs and have been writing together for two years, says their bassist Ash. “We aimed to be big like this from day one,” he says. “I think that fate brought us together, and so did our common goal, which was to never play for fun.” Who said music is about passion?

The band have copped some backlash since they first slipped into the spotlight following their 2006 tour with The Strokes. The latest signee’s to Levity Records, they are stepping into the noon-length shadows of Kiwi band Cut Off Your Hands, with little more than starry eyes and a sassy stylist to guide them. Levity, a label designed as a marketing tool by jeans giant Levi’s, were more than happy to find a band that would help them reconnect with youths and – shockingly – wear jeans in their MySpace press pictures. “We’ll often have a stylist when we’re on shoots,” Ash explains. “But we’re not trying to dress up and be cool. We do what we want and what we feel is what we want, you know?” Not really.

Now gearing up for their weekend Brisbane show, Mercy Arms can’t wait to return to the city. “I like Brisbane crowds a lot,” Ash enthuses. “They get into it and they enjoy it.” He observes the difference between this city’s down-to-earth lifestyle and the commercial wonderland that is his hometown. “It’s great to now be playing in the cities I only ever experienced on vacation,” he says, remembering holidays spent in the Sunshine State when he was a kid.

With a release and national tours under their studded belts, what do the boys have planned for the future? “We’re hoping to get overseas by next year,” Ash says, talking about the band’s plans to tour with The Horrors again in London. “We’ll put all we have into performing in Australia, then we’ll think about moving overseas.” Who knew this country was the world’s largest stepping stone?

And what about Thom? The surname of the band’s lead singer doesn’t seem to be listed anywhere – Google, MySpace, the tax returns in his garbage bin… (just being thorough!) “I don’t know,” Ash laughs. “Maybe he has no last name.” How unpretentious.

Though certain critics remain unconvinced that music is Mercy Arm’s aeroplane rather than their ticket to a private jet, Ash reassures fans, “My favourite thing about this industry is being able to do what I love and being able to do it everywhere. There’s nothing better than being able to play five nights in a row to huge crowds.”

MERCY ARMS have kicked off their national tour and play Brisbane on Saturday September 1 at THE GLOBE. Tickets are on sale now through Skinnys and Rocking Horse.

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