Naarm/Melbourne Merpire, the exquisite work of multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt, continues to dangle sonic enticements ahead of her album ‘MILK POOL’ due out on 4 July 2025. Next cab off the rank is the soaring lush sounds of ‘Leaving With You’, exhibiting a delicate yearning romanticism over the rich guitars:
I only stay in the hope of leaving with you
I run away with the thought of it coming true
living for the thrill
knowing you might want me still
I only stay in the hope of leaving with you
The guitars sound immense – reminding me a little of the force and tone of Smashing Pumpkins – and this is burnished by Merpire’s soothing sonic range that aches with passion and emotion.
Merpire says of the track:
‘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.
It comes with a nineties-influenced video directed and shot by Brooke Painter starring fellow musician Ruby Gill
‘Leaving With You’ is out today and available here.
Merpire will be supporting Ball Park Music at the Metro Theatre in Sydney, Saturday, 31 May. Other live dates to support the album release will be coming.
‘MILK POOL’ is due out on 4 July 2025. You can pre-save it here and pre-order a special limited edition vinyl version here.
‘MILK POOL’ was recorded at Melrose Place on Wurundjeri Country with production by Merpire, James Seymour (Pillow Queens, Elizabeth M. Drummond, Jacob Diamond), and contributions via James Dring (Nilüfer Yanya, Genesis Owusu, Porches) and Elizabeth M. Drummond, mixed by Ali Chant (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, Perfume Genius).
On duty are Merpire herself, (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) and Jeremy Gara (drums, percussion).
Feature Photograph: Rick Clifford
