Mere Theory
Walking In Storms
MGM
The Mere Theory sound, for me personally, is a reminder of the second strongest wave of Australian rock music in my generation. The first wave involved the songs of Motor Ace, Jebediah and Bodyjar amongst others, while the second included Gyroscope, After The Fall and Kisschasy. The opening guitars of Mere Theory's second record 'Walking In Storms' instantly capture that time for me. It sometimes seems that this band does not get enough credit as they have not only been one of the local scene's longest serving bands that are still active, but they also always release damn fine music.
Opening strong with first track El Nino Lifts Its Wings, the thundering instruments drive the song and create the perfect canvas for vocalist Chris Mellow's smooth soaring voice. I recommend that you do a little bit of internet research on the second track and first single Break Through, so you can see the film clip that was shot at the Adelaide roller derby. This is a great choice for single as the powerful chorus is possibly the catchiest moment of the whole album. The band have succeeded in combining the sound that fans will recognise with some new ideas, helping to keep the music fresh and exciting. Things soften in the mid-section with Remedy (Is You) and We All Stand In The Same Room, the latter containing another chorus that will stay stuck firmly in your head. The record ends with the piano laden We Can Start Over and the appropriately titled The Closing Scene, a song that builds up to sporadic drumming and an aggressive but inspirational conclusion.
'Walking In Storms' is another solid release from Mere Theory and proof that the Adelaide rock scene is probably the finest in the country at the moment, thanks in big part to these guys.
Luke Carlino
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