The band with the most Google-proof name in music already came up with the best way to describe their theatrical brand of rock when they coined the term ‘Tchaikokrocksky’.
Indeed, their music playfully mixes classical music’s surging drama and pomposity with the glam theatrics of rock’s great British eccentrics.
Queen, Bowie, The Beatles, Muse – they can all be heard to colour and inform ME’s sound as they siphon the best parts of each, so although born of Melbourne’s burgeoning music scene, it seemed only a matter of time before the group gravitated to the birthplace of those acts to find their fortunes.
The fruits of their labour is Another Story High, the product of touring the UK and soaking in the glow of arena-sized support slots with Kasabian and Panic! At The Disco.
The results are sophisticated, entertaining, and promise very good things for their debut album – due early 2013 to coincide with their homecoming Big Day Out appearance.
The EP opens with ‘Rock And Roll Dandy’, its octave-hopping bass, glam swagger, and tight harmonies gelled into a dapper singalong.
The whooping of qausi-title track, ‘Slow Children Run’ continues to satisfy frontman Luke Ferris’ Bellamy/Mercury vocal range, while guitarist Damian Tapley shreds like Brian May’s prodigal son.
Love The Beatles?
Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
The highlights come in the closing gambit of ‘Westward Backwards’, that crunches and swoons with equal aplomb, and ‘Like A Fox’ – perhaps the best display of the quartet’s abilities: catchy melodicism, towering hooks, and a charming wink as they deliver genuine thrills with a bombastic flourish.
