Brisbane five-piece Mermaid Avenue return with Jacarandas, their fourth album, released on April 15, 2026, and it feels like a band fully settling into its own skin. Since forming in 2015, they have become a steady presence in the cityโs live scene, shaping a sound that sits comfortably between alt-country, Americana, indie rock, folk rock, and bluesy storytelling.
Named after the Woody Guthrie/Billy Bragg/Wilco collaboration, the band carries that same love for songs with dust, heart, and character. Frontman Peter Clarke leads the way with warm, weathered vocals, joined by Mike Kearey, Casey Lee Chadwick, Nathan Poetschka, and Mark Egan.
Across ten tracks, Jacarandas explores memory, ageing, ambition, love, regret, and the little ghosts that hang around after life has had its say.
Opening track โTalk Prettyโ wastes no time getting mud on its boots. Fuzzy, gritty guitar riffs snarl against bustling drums and splashing cymbals, giving the song a restless bite. Clarkeโs thick voice cuts through with easy authority, then lifts in the chorus with the soar that makes the whole thing feel bigger than the room.
By โSheโll Come Down When Sheโs Ready,โ the mood turns looser and more reflective. A moody electric guitar sets the tone before steady drums and gentle acoustic strums roll in, letting Clarke sing with relaxed, lived-in charm.
Closing track โBoy in the Mirror,โ featuring Melinda Coles with the fiddle, is the real heart-tugger. With the beautiful writhing fiddle and soothing acoustic guitar, it lands softly but deeply, especially when Clarke sings, โBoy in the mirror, hope you donโt see the man that became me.โ
Listen to Jacarandas on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan