The Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail

Sunday

Whether it’s noodling away on an acoustic guitar or singing a melody in the car, Thirsty Merc’s Rai Thistlethwayte enjoys the organic side of songwriting. 

‘‘It all starts with one good idea,’’ the lead singer said from Los Angeles. ‘‘I write a lot of stuff in an acoustic way.

‘‘An acoustic instrument like that, it’s there, you pick up a guitar and it makes noise – it’s very organic.

‘‘It’s a very tactile vibe, and is good for getting a truthful emotional effect in anything. ‘‘It often ends up mixing itself with production or arrangements later on, but it can be like that initially.’’

This sensibility spawned the recording of the Australian rockers’ new album. 

Thirsty Merc recently marked the 10-year milestone since the release of their self-titled, double-platinum debut LP by issuing the Acoustic Anniversary Album. 

AAA is a collection of acoustic interpretations of fan favourites including 20 Good Reasons, In the Summertime, Someday Someday and Mousetrap Heart. 

It’s a well-worn cliche that some of the most popular songs are written in five minutes, but having penned his share of hits, Thistlethwayte had mixed views on the matter.

The band boasts more than 200,000 albums sold, as well as ARIA Award and APRA Song of the Year nominations.

‘‘A few things have come that quickly,’’ he said. ‘‘But I’ve also had the other, when people write songs over the course of five years. 

‘‘Leonard Cohen apparently writes 20 verses, and uses three of them.

‘‘Then you have those wild, creative guys who have such an innate ... They just channel it from some other place, like Bob Dylan.

‘‘You try and not say die until it’s as good as you can make it.

‘‘Some things take no time, some take years.’’

Not surprisingly, the band is also taking the Acoustic Anniversary Album on the road. 

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we released our debut,’’ the frontman said. 

‘‘This Merc-tober we’ll play this album live on tour, and throw in a few newbies too.

‘‘You have to think outside the box [live]; if you want to add some fresh element to it, you can’t play it straight ahead. We’re trying to think outside the box. 

‘‘I’m a big fan of bands that do versions of songs that you wouldn’t expect.’’