Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1971, Mackenzie Theory remain one of the few totally instrumental bands in Australia to achieve recognition in the mainstream rock and pop music industry since the demise of non-vocal rock ‘n’ roll and surf bands of the early 60s. In 1973, they recorded a fully instrumental album in Australia, which charted. Rob Mackenzie led the band with his inspired, ethereal guitar playing, but the band also owed much of its distinctive sound to the viola playing of Cleis Pearce. The band, which included Andy Majewski (drums) and Mike Leadabrand (bass), folded in mid-1974 when Mackenzie was awarded an Arts Council grant to study guitar in Europe and America. He later moved to Los Angeles, USA, performing and doing recording sessions with emerging bands, providing guitar solo embellishments on their demo tapes, or recording eastern and other exotic ethnic styles. Pearce turned her talent to folk music and other eclectic work and she has recorded regularly.