Having spent 18 months in the UK creating a decidedly healthy buzz and soaking up their British influences, Melbourne quartet ME have finally released their debut long player.
For those who have followed the band from their inception or whilst overseas, the band have been crafting and honing towards their first record with a series of EP. Most recently, Another Story High, of which a few choice cuts also feature on the fantastic Even The Odd Ones Out.
Anyone unfamiliar with the theatrical inspired sounds of ME is quickly introduced through opener ‘Hoo Ha’. A group never afraid to take things right over the top, the horn and string sections thump in unison with the band backed by deep choral arrangements.
These flourishes, in addition to the crunching riffery of guitarist Damien Tapley and Luke Ferris’ soaring vocals sum up the group’s high achievements beautifully.
‘Working Life’ has long been a staple for ME in the live setting, however it’s on the record that it truly highlights their enviable musical abilities and penchant for the epic.
Particular mention should go to drummer Spike Rogers who seamlessly transfers from the light textural moments into thunderous hammering equal to that of Muse’s Dominic Howard, and to the the abilities of producer Simon ‘Barny’ Barnicott and engineer Ian Dowling in wrangling the band’s ambitions without hedging their sonic adventure.
Taking cues from more classic rock is brand new track ‘All Along The Way’, and perhaps an insight into where they might be headed in future. Ferris’ voice most certainly takes on the qualities of legendary rock singers of the early ‘70s, but it’s the undeniably catchy chorus that make this a winner.
Comparisons will likely be drawn to similarly dramatic pop music but it’s the way ME mix their pop sensibilities with the orchestral textures and nous for the grandiose, without succumbing to indulgence, sets this record apart from anything else.
With such a strong and entertaining debut, ME have certainly set the bar extremely high for themselves. However with the talent and sense of fun they showcase on this record, there’s no question they’re perfectly set up to surpass any expectations for what comes next.
