Despite Suburban Wildlife being Big Merino‘s debut album, the band is well beyond rookie status.

Comprising of a team of seasoned music makers, Big Merino is the culmination of various musical styles, years of various experiences and the talented personalities which have come together like Voltron to form an appealing, soul-infused rock record that can be listened to from beginning to end…multiple times…without getting old.

Infusing a healthy does of roots music into their distinct sound, Big Merino incorporates elements of folk, blues, country and soul into their harmony-driven compositions resulting in a smooth, organic and engaging sound that rock your senses but also soothe them.

While listening through the ten songs included on Suburban Wildlife, there were multiple instances where I found myself wondering if I was still listening to Big Merino or if I was listening to a rock or adult contemporary radio station. The polished, well crafted, pristinely produced songwriting could easily land any of these 10 songs in rotation on any playlist focused on indie rock or even pop rock.

I am unable to pick a favorite song. I truly enjoy listening to all 10.

The high caliber talents fueling Big Merino include: Stuart Davis (lead vocals/guitar), Alex Craig (lead guitar), Peter Richardson (bass) and Colin Sevitt (drums). The album was recorded at Damian Gerard Studios and was engineered by Russel Pilling. Suburban Wildlife also features guest performances from Australia musical giants: James Greening on trombone, souzaphone, trumpet, flugelhorn and pocket cornet; Jess Ciampa on percussion; Jonathan Zwartz on double bass; John Gauci (Johnny G and the E-Types) on piano, organ and accordion; Michel Rose on the pedal steel; vocalists Alice Papademetriou and Lisa Spence; and a string quartet from the Sydney Chamber Orchestra.

Connect with Big Merino on their official website or FB.

You can find Suburban Wildlife here or click below to listen on Spotify.