Following a successful crowd funding campaign in 2015, Thirsty Merc hit the legendary Birdland Studios in Melbourne to record Shifting Gears. It was released on September 4th, 2015. Their first full length album of new material in around 5 years, it was a return to their rock roots, and was 100% independently owned, recorded and released by the band. The new album led to over 150 live shows across 3 massive tours. Shifting Gears was produced and mixed by Lindsay Gravina in Melbourne, and Mastered by Grammy nominated engineer Emily Lazar in New York. The single 'The Good Life' was also nominated for 'Rock Work Of The Year' at the 2017 APRA awards.