Mere Theory - History

History

The band has released two EPs: Towering Sun (featuring vocalist Nathan Dalton) in 2002, and Disengage (featuring vocalist Ryan Paterson) in 2004, both through Building Records. Mere Theory received airplay on Australian community radio and the national youth radio station Triple J with the song "Freedom In Mind" from Disengage. dB Magazine described the band's unique style and passionate energy when commenting upon their live show saying, "Mere Theory blew me away with their technical ability and diverse style: their music is technical yet melodic, aggressive and at the same time very passionate. Standout moments included three part vocals. Mere Theory are one of the more dynamic rock outfits playing a unique mix of heavy rocking guitar riffs, explosive drumming, intense three part vocal harmonies and a very distinctive style of heavy to mellow rock."

Mere Theory's debut full-length album, Catalan Atlas was released via a license deal with Melbourne based Boomtown Records in September 2007. The album received favourable reviews including Rolling Stone, BLUNT and The Adelaide Advertiser. In BLUNT issue No. 66, Catalan Atlas was dubbed one of the "Top 100 Albums You Should've Heard In 2007." Their review went on to say "They had already released two fairly decent EPs, but Adelaide foursome Mere Theory took a giant leap in 2007 with their debut album, Catalan Atlas. Taking all the best bits from the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate, Texas Is The Reason and Elliott, then integrating them into their own Oz punk stylings, Mere Theory came out with a rock album of international standard."

2007 saw Mere Theory set out on a national tour in support of their debut album Catalan Atlas which began in Adelaide on 9 November and finished in Melbourne on 13 December. The band toured New South Wales with Fifty Sixx and Sailmaker, Queensland dates were shared with Repeat Offender, while Blueline Medic and Calling All Cars played the Victorian show. An eight date national support with Australian band Karnivool in April 2008 saw the band playing to an average 1000 people a night.

A third tour in support of Catalan Atlas, the Australian Atlas Tour visited South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia in the latter part of 2008. The show at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Adelaide was Matt Adey's last show. Mere Theory recruited Ross Simpson (Hi-End Audio/Move To Strike) as their new bass player, and the band entered Broadcast Studios (Adelaide) to record their second album Walking In Storms. Recorded by Evan James (The Mark of Cain, Pharaohs) at Adelaide’s Broadcast Studios, and mixed by Richard Stolz (Bodyjar, After the Fall). Walking In Storms was released through MGM September 2011. December 2011, marked the departure of Richie Wise, with David Priest taking position on Drums.