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There’s something quite animalistic about Merpire’s music - the moniker of Naarm/Melbourne-based Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt - whose huge, gritty voice, whimsical turn-of-phrase and inimitable chord choices seem impossible to tame, were it not for a sobering honesty that could heal even the most stoic crowd. Merpire’s songs aren’t just effortless, catchy dark-pop anthems deserving of a home in the 90s Garbage or Caroline Polachek canon - soaring through every track is a subtext profound enough to stop you in your tracks, like the whistle only a dog can hear. Merpire has spent the last few years since her debut Simulation Ride (ADA Records) reclaiming her body, her joy and her obsession with golden retrievers. With the help of true community and time to herself to explore the multi-instrumentalist that she is, Merpire is ready to share what she’s found with others who could use the physical release. Enter: Merpire’s second teenagehood.