It’s a bright sunny Melbourne morning…all signs point towards a successful and smooth interview…up until Nick Adams, bassist for Mammal calls through. Turns out technology might just have a greater say in this than originally thought. Greetings and pleasantries are interrupted by a strange, guttural noise, followed by a busy tone. “I’m so sorry… I don’t know what that was!” Nick laughs on the second attempt to connect. My thoughts exactly, although they did verge off into extra-terrestrial territory. “Yes, that was me trying to convey a super top secret message to you.”

Messages are what Mammal is about. Over the past few years they have been inciting a grassroots revolution in the music scene, kicked off by their first offering, the Mammal EP. Fast forward to mid-2008 and debut album The Majority is sitting on shelves, waiting to be embraced by their strong fan-base. “I must admit, I was probably most affected by the pressure of the album,” Nick confesses. “I was nervous as hell as the release date drew closer and closer. The feedback for the album has been great though. In the end, we’re really just four guys wanting to get together, make music and have our message out there. Anything else is unprecedented and amazing.”

Energetic and exhilarating live shows have earned Mammal an ever-growing legion of followers. Many have discovered the band through word-of-mouth; others through the numerous support slots they’ve filled. “Pete [Williamson, guitarist] and I have been doing this for eight years. Pete knew Zeke [Ox, vocalist] and I were really impressed by the fact that not only could he hold a note, but he was also an amazing musician,” enthuses Nick. “Then when Zane [Rosanoski, drummer] jammed with us, I just knew it was right. What I didn’t expect, was to be in this position two years later – to be touring the country with our album. We had no preconceptions of being popular, so it still amazes me how fanatical some of our fans are. It’s a wonderful feeling though, to have people enjoy something you create.”

Fanatical would be the right description. The Majority shows a band not afraid to experiment, bringing a strong groove element into play. “The songs really just came along as we tried new things. Credit must be given to Eric [Sarafin, producer], who really tried to put forth the groove argument, so to speak, which is great. It resulted in a different dynamic, in that we’re not just making twelve copies of the same song with the same sound. We’ve got the heavier tracks, and taken that little step back on a few so you can dance.”

The one track in particular that no doubt will catch the attention of listeners will be the closing number, Zero Infinity, which features the distinctive tones of a didgeridoo. “I wrote that track about four years ago, intentionally as an instrumental. Two years ago, I picked up the didgeridoo – the guys [in the band] were saying ‘Go on, you’ll be fine!’ but when the time for recording came along, we got someone else in, and he was good.” Nick sighs. “Of course, I’d love to be able to play [the didgeridoo] at a show in the future, but we’re going to have to work it out – it’s probably one of the most difficult tracks to translate live.”

Fortunately, the other ingredients that make The Majority aren’t. Fans have a chance to experience the tracks live on the upcoming national tour, spanning three weeks with at least on performance in each capital city. “To be perfectly honest, Perth is quite a far way to travel, and we don’t get to visit as much as we’d like to. Playing two shows for the WA crowd is our small way of making up for the fact that we’re not performing there as much as we are along the East Coast. There’s a great dynamic in Perth, and we’re really looking forward to bringing the album to the fans over there.”

The band’s dynamic with their audiences has been boosted by the wireless technology they use on stage. “It’s awesome,” Nick confirms. “Things that we all wanted to do now seem achievable. Zeke’s always really been the only one that can run around without fearing he’ll trip a lead and be stuck with no sound. Now Pete can run into the crowd, and one day, I’d like to do a back flip with guitar in hand. I will get there. One day.”

The Majority is out now. Mammal is in the midst of its album tour now, with a spot on the bill at this weekend’s Badlands Festival.

Friday 19 September – The Corner Hotel, Richmond, Melbourne

Saturday 20 September – The Zoo, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

Sunday 21 September – Badlands Festival, Manning Bar, Sydney

Friday 26 September – Annandale Hotel, Sydney

Saturday 27 September – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Sunday 28 September – Amplifier Bar, Perth