Merpire’s new single “Leaving With You” is a number full of emotional head-banging energy and determined attitude. Over an alternative guitar line and instrumentation, the track builds from the first verse to the chorus with a full force-to-be-reckoned-with moment, and doesn’t let up from there. Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt, the voice behind Merpire, powerfully sings lyrics from a place of honesty and angst. It has a much bigger sound compared to 2021’s Simulation Ride, Merpire’s debut album, which blended indie-pop and folk into a more laid-back atmosphere.
“Leaving With You” is a song about the uncertainty of a mutual crush and the mix of excitement and nerves as you wonder whether they’ll show up to the same function. It explores the invigorating rush of their arrival, compelling you to stay out longer than expected, and the possibility of exploring a deeper connection. The song was co-produced with James Seymour (Pillow Queens, Elizabeth M. Drummond, Jacob Diamond) who worked with Rhiannon to bring her vision to life. The Naarm/Melbourne based artist wrote the song while she was at a crossroads in her life, where she felt called to make huge changes, including stepping away from her achievements as a founder of pandemic-era live music streaming series ISOL-AID, and from some interpersonal relationships.
“‘Leaving With You’ is about those feelings you get around a crush when you have an inkling they feel the same way: the wonder if they’ll turn up to the party you’re at is both unnerving and exhilarating, you’re not sure if you’re hiding it well, nothing fills you with more energy than your crush being in your vicinity. You think about going home, you’re tired, but then they turn up and suddenly you could stay all night, living in this space where the probability between hooking up with them and not hooking up with them is equal.”
-Merpire on “Leaving With You”
“Leaving With You” follows recent singles “Premonition” and “Bigger” from Merpire’s upcoming sophomore album MILK POOL, described as an album for “the romantics, the daydreamers, and those moving through intense periods of change.” Many themes on the album echo Rhiannon’s lived experiences while taking into account the experiences of the listener. Rhiannon aims to use her trademark humor and romanticism of people and places to divulge personal themes of sexuality, community, processing trauma, restlessness, and self-discovery, to a wide audience. A thoroughly collaborative effort, the album features instrumentation via Merpire (vocals, acoustic & electric guitar, synths, tambourine), James Seymour (backing vocals, piano, ukulele, electric guitars, bass, programmed drums, synths, percussion), James Dring (electric guitars, bass, drums, beats and percussion), Elizabeth M. Drummond (backing vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, programmed drums, synths, bass), Jess Ellwood (drums) & Jeremy Gara (drums, percussion).
“Leaving With You” is released ahead of Merpire’s sophomore album, MILK POOL, out independently on July 4th. Pre-order available here.
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