Mere Theory - Catalan Atlas (Album)
» In the Grey - Embassy Hotel, The, NSW - September 11, 2005
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.
