Mere Theory

 

Adelaide’s Mere Theory are one of Australian rock’s last great hopes. Their no-nonsense attitude and distinct, melodic sound has already endeared them to discerning music lovers everywhere. Now, after a series of acclaimed studio recordings and hundreds of live performances, the band has unleashed its debut album, Catalan Atlas, through Boomtown Records.

In the past six years, Mere Theory (Nigel Black – guitar; Chris Mellow – vocals; Ross Simpson – bass; and Richie Wise – drums) have established themselves as one of Australia’s most intriguing and committed bands, both on record and on stage.

The band’s live performance résumé includes spots on the 2005 and 2007 Big Day Outs; billing at the Clipsal 500 After Race Concert (to a hometown audience of 10,000); shows with international contemporaries like Millencolin, Anberlin and Alexisonfire; an appearance on Rove Live; and a number of national tours. In 2006, the band were recipients of the Australasian Performing Rights Association’s Emily Burrows Award – a prize awarded to emerging Australian bands who show exceptional promise. APRA cited Mere Theory’s unique musical style and tireless work ethic as reasons for the accolade. Shortly after receiving the cash award, Mere Theory entered the studio to lay down tracks for their debut album Catalan Atlas.

Catalan Atlas is the culmination of all Mere Theory’s efforts to date – eleven taut tracks that show off the band’s cohesion and creativity, but display none of the self-consciousness that so often mars debut albums. Says guitarist Nigel Black, “We didn’t rush into recording an album for a number of reasons – logistical, financial – but more than anything, we didn’t want to commit a full-length to tape until we knew we were ready. Listening back to the finished product, I’m glad we waited.”

Catalan Atlas was recorded and mixed at Melbourne’s Sing Sing studios with producer Richard Stolz (Bodyjar, After the Fall). The album includes a newly recorded version of “You Will Never Win”, the singles “Gracefully”, “Stand Up”, “Defeating This Feeling”, and Triple J favourite “Stabilize”. Since its release in September 2007, the album has garnered rave reviews from Rolling Stone, BLUNT, Time Out Sydney, The Canberra Times, The Adelaide Advertiser and more.

Members

  • Chris Mellow - Guitar / Vocals, Design
  • Nigel Black - Guitar
  • Ross Simpson - Bass / Vocals
  • Richie Wise - Drums / Vocals

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Mere Theory

CATALAN ATLAS

Released: 01.09.2007
Catalogue: BTR023

Tracklisting

  1. Every End is a New Beginning
  2. You Will Never Win
  3. Gracefully
  4. Stand Up
  5. Stabilise
  6. Breathe (Take This Vaccine)
  7. Design of Influence
  8. Eye For an Eye
  9. Misconception
  10. Defeating This Feeling
  11. Ghost Reflex