Meza - The EP

The Eastern-tinged epic rock of Sydney 3-piece Meza took me a couple of listens to warm to. My initial impression was that Meza’s sound was nothing new. However, the initial redeeming feature for me was singer Emad’s voice – haunting and deep, the band began to remind me of the slower moments of The Tea Party’s sound (an obvious Eastern rock comparison if ever there was one).

The guitar harmonies, albiet rather simple, are well constructed, but the opening track, Who’s Behind Those Eyes, drags on much longer than necessary. Granted Meza are an epic rock band, they lack the power often associated with that particular genre. I was becoming worried when halfway through second track The Dream I hadn’t heard a wailing guitar solo (generalising, I know) – but there it was, the thirty seconds that proved this band is endowed with one hell of a guitar player, even if their overall sound leaves a little to be desired.

El Sahra, the third offering from The EP, reminded me way too much of the opening track, but Will You Stay, the fourth track, reminded me enough of Live or early Silverchair to at least return me to the days of late primary school – guitar driven and catchy, it is a ray of sunshine on an EP otherwise cast into the shadows. Again demonstrating Emad’s prolific ability on guitar, I would expect Will You Stay to be the song that radio catches onto, if at all. The final track, By The Hand of Man, is haunting and reminscent of the darker days of Soundgarden - again predominantly guitar-driven epic rock supported by slow yet powerful drumming, which leaves me wondering if being the bass player in Meza is a less than exciting occupation.

Meza, I’m sure, already have a loyal following of fans that will be impressed by this offering, but I hazard to predict a new following will arise from The EP’s release. It’s technically good music, but it just isn’t exciting to those of us who aren’t already fans of epic rock.