MEDIA
Review 9
Catalan Atlas Reviews
Rolling Stone Magazine
Blunt Magazine
The Advertiser
Kill Your Stereo
Posted by Cam, on 2007-08-28 19:08:35
92 - The wait was worth it
Review:
For close to five years “Mere Theory” has been one of Adelaide’s best keep secrets. Their ability to write disjointed but catchy rock songs is something that most bands in the genre spend a life time trying to achieve.
“Catalan Atlas” is hands down one of the best Australian releases of the year, and if there’s any justice in the world, it should finally see “Mere Theory” achieve the same kind of success as groups like Gyroscope and Blueline Medic.
“Catalan Atlas” is the first recording that new vocalist Chris Mellow has been a part of… and what a find this guy is. Having already gone through two singers I was concerned that some of “Mere Theory’s” spark may have been lost however album opener “Every End” quickly put an end to my worries. Let’s just say that if you’re a fan of soaring, epic melodies then you will love this track!
Guitarist Nigel Black has outdone himself yet again. His trademark stop/start riffing is still an important part of the “Mere Theory” sound but the consistency of the song writing on “Catalan Atlas” has far exceeded anything the band has done previously.
The melody that the guitar parts create is as infectious as any pop song you’d care to name and when you couple it with Chris’s vocal prowess, you’re left with some of the most memorable tunes a local band has churned out in a very long time.
Richard Stoltz production job on “Catalan Atlas” is some of his best work yet. The long hours that went into this record have paid off because every riff, every drum beat and every bass line cut their way through the mix AND the vocals actually sound real! Always refreshing to hear a band that can actually pull off their songs without the aid of studio tricks!
For my money, “Gracefully”, “Stand Up” and “Stabilise” are the strongest tracks on the record but after saying that, every time I listen to “Catalan Atlas” I find something else I love about it.
Conclusion:
“Mere Theory” is one of those bands that don’t come along very often. They don’t buck to trends and they write the music that makes them happy. The fact that we, the listeners happen to enjoy what they do is just a bonus. Make sure you pick up this record and check the band out live… you’ll thank me later.DB Magazine
Canberra Times
Time Off
Tsunami Mag - www.tsunamimag.com
MERE THEORY
Catalan Atlas
(Boomtown Records)
7.5/10
The opening tracks from Mere Theory's 'Catalan Atlas' display an immediate confidence that must be lauded in any debut long-player. 'Every End is a New Beginning,' and a re-recorded version of last year's 'You Will Never Win,' though operating in the wake of many current American rock acts, also manage to clear a space that is the band's own. The songs are both well written and produced and, though occasionally flagging, their intelligent, hooky choruses save them repeatedly. Even on an initial listen one can select multiple tracks that might serve superbly as singles. With a sound that marks them as an Australian counterpart to Moneen, and already superior to many of their Australian rock predecessors, Adelaide's Mere Theory have more than adequately proven themselves worthy of a place in the current landscape. This impressive album should please both fans of the genre and the casual listener, while also more than satisfying alternative radio. Bring 'em on (Chris).
The Dwarf- www.thedwarf.com.au
MERE THEORY - Catalan Atlas
It has been 3 years since Mere Theory recorded the EP “Disengage” which was received well and resulted in the band getting the APRA Emily Burrow’s Award – a cash prize that allowed them to go into the studio and record their debut album, “Catalan Atlas” at Melbourne’s Sing Sing Studios with Richard Stolz (After the Fall, Bodyjar and Behind Crimson Eyes).
Mere Theory’s debut long-player starts with what they have always done best – anthemic, emotional rock. ‘Every End is a New Beginning’ is an interesting starting track; it has an optimism that is rarely used.
The re-recording of ‘You Will Never Win’ shows the difference in new vocalist, Chris Mellows, style – it’s rougher, but still manages to provide the range that Mere Theory fans have come to expect.
“Catalan Atlas” is worth buying just for the cover art. It shows the attention to detail put into every aspect of this recording (the band’s first Boomtown release).
The first single off “Catalan Atlas”, ‘Gracefully’, is reminiscent of Blueline Medic and definitely the first standout of the album. It is radio-friendly, tightly recorded, vocal rock.
‘Stabilise’ has a bit of a 80s Australian feel to it, I think this has more to do with the tempo and the fade into ‘Breathe (Take this Vaccine)’ than anything else, but I saw it.
‘Breathe (Take this Vaccine)’ would be my pick for the second single – there’s a depth and clarity to this track that is really nice to hear. Mellows evokes a young Bernard Fanning, and if these boys can have half the success that Powderfinger have had in the next couple of years I’ll be renewing my confidence in Australian music.
‘Eye for an Eye’ has a slight political message to it – ‘an eye for an eye will only make us blind’ – but thankfully the band have made it subtle enough that it feels genuine. It’s hard to have political opinions without appearing like you’re jumping on a bandwagon.
Mere Theory finish off “Catalan Atlas” with ‘Ghost Reflex’, which has slightly Spanish-sounding guitars, warm drums and yearning vocals. It’s quite a pensive way to end an album, but because the rest of the tracks have quite a different style it works.
Overall this debut is strong. A lot of thought has gone into the recording, the dynamics, the lyrics and the structure of “Catalan Atlas”. Boomtown should be happy to have these guys, fans will be pleased with this release, and other rock fans should chalk Mere Theory up as one to watch.
Album review by: redblackblue
Sound the Sirens: http://www.soundthesirens.com/news/?p=1376
Thu 13 Sep 2007
Mere Theory rock out “Gracefully”
Posted by Billy under Music , Videos , Music News
Adelaide, Australia’s Mere Theory have been quietly making a name for themselves since they debuted back in 2000. Seven years on, countless EPs and tours later, the post-hardcore outfit have finally released their debut full-length, Catalan Atlas. Having only heard them in name, I was more than in awe when I finally got a chance to hear their music- it’s pretty amazing post-hardcore stuff, richly reminiscent of bands like Further Seems Forever, early Jimmy Eat World, and to some extent, the lush sounds of America’s Midwestern rock scene. The band have released their video for the single “Gracefully,” which you can view after the jump.
You can also listen to some of their new tracks on their MySpace page and you can download the song “You Will Never Win,” right here. Highly recommended.
Rip it up: http://www.ripitup.com.au/stateofsound/5681
07 February 2008
MERE THEORY
by Rob Lyon
Watch out for band Mere Theory over the summer as they are destined to make their mark and gain broader recognition for their debut album Catalan Atlas. There is little doubt that their no-nonsense attitude and distinct, melodic sound has already endeared them to discerning music lovers everywhere, now Adelaide gets the first taste as Mere Theory launch their national tour with a show at Fowler’s Live. Guitarist Nigel Black is excited about what lies ahead with their forthcoming tour.
Is this the busiest Mere Theory have ever been?
“We’ve been working very hard,” Nigel began. “A lot of our work has been focused on lining up our national tour and our album launch in Adelaide, which we’re really excited about. This is a really good opportunity to celebrate our debut album with our community, friends and the media. Adelaide is our home and it is really great to be able to kick off our tour here. It’s really exciting to see all the posters up and see it come to fruition. We’ve built this collection of songs and now it’s out there getting good reviews. Now it is time to go and deliver it to the people of Australia.”
Has there been much time to stop and reflect on what’s been achieved so far?
“It’s pretty exciting but half the time we’re working that hard that we haven’t stopped to take it all in and understand what’s really going on,” Nigel stated. “A lot of effort goes in and it’s continuous work but we really enjoy it. We’ve already started writing for a second album, so we’re really pumped and the chemistry within the band to create new music has really solidified at a new level. I think the band is really strong and comfortable with what we’re capable of and what we want to do regardless of reviews, even though we’re getting good ones.”
Do some people think that your success is an overnight thing?
“Maybe,” Nigel pondered. “I guess some people may have that perception and might not understand the massive amount of work that has gone in and that we just appeared on the scene. Everything snowballs - we found that the support we've received has actually increased as people saw how much dedication we were putting in. They wanted to be a part of that, so they jumped on board and committed to us. It says to me that it is working and let’s be a part of it. The more that has happened the more it happens two-fold.”Do you think the stigma of being an Adelaide band is starting to disappear?
“We’ve had a number of advisors telling us when to tour or not tour,” Nigel pointed out. “I think whatever we do has to be a careful selection as you can blow a lot of money trying to play to the right crowd interstate. As the scene here keeps proving, there are a lot of great acts but a lot of Adelaidians keep saying that we’re this or we’re that. We’re slowly gaining respect from our counterparts to the point where some interstate bands wish they were living here because of how strong our scene is.”
Mere Theory play Fowler’s Live on Fri Nov 9 with No Through Road, The Open Season and Newtonheath.