Review Summary: An Australian diamond would be the jewel in a UK crown.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Australian music scene pales in comparison to those of Europe, UK and the US. The question is commonly asked ‘If artist ‘X’ was American, or British, how big would they would be?’ Too often Australian artists, unknown in their own backyard, must travel abroad to receive not only the critical but commercial acclaim they are deserving of (See
Gabriella Cilmi,
Temper Trap,
Wolfmother and
Airborne as recent examples). Mere Theory’s 2007 debut, Catalan Atlas is another candidate that exemplifies such a question.
In the opening track, Every End is a New Beginning, Mere Theory reveal all the talents that will follow. Intelligent lyrics, consistent warm and flawless interaction between guitar, bass and drums, punctuated by Chris Mellow’s soaring powerful - Tom Smith–esque vocals (
Editors). Labeling Catalan Atlas as a rock album should not detract or simplify the overall sound of the album. At times the album clearly fits hard rock, however in the same song you could be convinced that this is a punk or indie rock album. Importantly, this musical arsenal prevents Catalan Atlas from ever becoming one paced or dull. Song structure, tempo and centerpiece constantly shift throughout the album, however the overall feel of the album is one of cohesion.
Musically, it is hard to fault any aspect of Catalan Atlas. The musicianship is mature and co-operative with guitar, bass and drums constantly lending to and leading each other. Catalan Atlas has the unique musical nature of comfortably sitting along side bands such as
Coheed and Cambria,
Millencolin,
Coldplay and Australian contemporaries
Birds of Tokyo and
Dead Letter Circus. Refreshingly, there is no self-indulgence on any front, all progressions, lead breaks and solo pieces are meaningful and just with the whole band together being greater than the some of its parts. Interestingly, Catalan Atlas feels like you have listened to it before, but in a good way. There are times when a movement will happen and you will think ‘That is how
30 Seconds To Mars should have done it’ (Every End is a New Beginning) or ‘
Rise Against would be proud of that progression’ (Misconception). This level of familiarity makes the album accessible and very easy to pick up and just listen too from start to finish.
Mellow’s vocals however are what draws the listener’s attention. While the vocal range is often similar between all songs, except the beautiful closer, Ghost Reflex, this is not a slight on Mellow’s performance. Much like those of Maynard James Keenan (
Tool,
A Perfect Circle,
Puscifer), Mellow’s vocal strength comes from his comfortable nature when fronting a racing musical charge (Gracefully), sitting in behind a wall of sound (Stand Up) or when backed by only acoustic guitars (Ghost Reflex). In all situations, Mellow’s vocals fit the song and aid in enhancing the songs performance.
In all, Catalan Atlas is a beautifully constructed rock album bordering precariously on the cusp of multiple genres, with the substance and strength to appeal to wide audience. Should Mere Theory and this LP have debuted in the US or UK, it is not a stretch to think Mere theory would no longer be opening for, but sharing the stage with some of the biggest alternative bands in the world.
Recommended Songs:
Every End is a New Beginning, Gracefully, and Misconception.
