Review: Old Mervs at Indian Ocean Hotel

Old Mervs at Indian Ocean Hotel
w/ Lazy Drive, Rocks + Rhubarb
Sunday, March 1, 2026

On Sunday night, Old Mervs returned to the Indi Bar at the Indian Ocean Hotel for one of five sold-out shows and delivered a set that proved exactly why they are building so much momentum right now.

Opening the night were Lazy Drive and Rocks + Rhubarb. Lazy Drive delivered a confident set of original material, showing strong musicianship and clear chemistry as a band. Their cover of Use Somebody by Kings of Leon was a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of audience participation.

Rocks + Rhubarb followed with solid engagement and a slightly more unpredictable energy. While their set was less distinctive, they warmed up the room effectively and set the stage well for the headline act.

Old Mervs opened with Sweetheart, immediately locking the crowd in. From there, they moved through a mix of fan favourites, each one met with full-volume sing-alongs. Parched was a clear highlight, its driving rhythm and catchy hooks hitting especially hard in the intimate setting. The band’s live strength lies in their consistency. The energy stayed high throughout, and their relaxed banter between songs kept the atmosphere light without slowing the pace of the set. They have a natural way of interacting with the crowd that feels genuine rather than rehearsed.

Midway through the set, they treated the packed-out room to an unreleased track, teasing what’s to come from their upcoming album. The new song was captivating, carrying a fresh and slightly unexpected edge while still sounding distinctly like Old Mervs. It struck that perfect balance between growth and familiarity. Enough to feel new but still grounded in the jangly, feel-good indie sound fans love. If this track is anything to go by, there’s plenty to be excited about.

They closed the night with Wait Around, a fitting finish that had the entire room singing along one last time. In a venue like the Indian Ocean Hotel, where the crowd was close and fully engaged, their sound felt even more immediate.

With five nights sold out at the Indian Ocean Hotel, it’s clear Old Mervs are riding a serious wave right now. In a venue this small, every show feels special, and judging by Sunday’s atmosphere, anyone heading along next weekend is in for something unforgettable!

MOLLY ELLIOT

Photos by Cam White