Mess
by Liars
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Mar 25, 2014
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
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  1. rwkleinjr
    Mar 26, 2014
    9
    Perhaps the band's most natural progression yet, MESS sees them take what they learned while making WIXIW and get their hands a little dirtier with it. The first four tracks are a dense punch in the face of high-powered electronica, which slows down a little bit as the album goes on and things get a bit darker. Liars' trademark sense of dread appears mostly on the second half of the album,Perhaps the band's most natural progression yet, MESS sees them take what they learned while making WIXIW and get their hands a little dirtier with it. The first four tracks are a dense punch in the face of high-powered electronica, which slows down a little bit as the album goes on and things get a bit darker. Liars' trademark sense of dread appears mostly on the second half of the album, yet it closes out on its lightest moment with Left Speaker Blown.

    The album itself may be a bit more of a grower than WIXIW was, but it's every bit as good. Yet another masterful collection of songs put out by this band.    … Expand
  2. Cecil
    Mar 26, 2014
    5
    This is the least rewarding album in this band's discography. It's muddy and plodding in the first half, and thin on ideas in the second half. Mess on a Mission is barely more than OK, and it's the highlight of the album.
  3. terrence0258
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    This album is a perfect combination of unhinged and tranquil noise. It's like a pet bear: You feel safe most of the time but at any moment it can maul your face off.
  4. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    8
    A lot of critic hate for this album for some reason, don't know why. The band continues to experiment here and it pays off pretty handsomely. Incredibly bold, and does a great job of blending house music with a fusion of dance and experimental electronica.
  5. AlexGonzSalsa
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    More bombastic and confident than WIXIW, every song is an amazing experience to listen to. I don't get why critics aren't praising this album more, it's so good I can see this album as being a gateway drug to the rest of the band's discography for new listeners.
  6. TalentlessHack
    Jan 2, 2016
    9
    The most enjoyable dance rock/punk album that I've heard in recent years. I thought the band hit a creative peak with WIXIW, but I was wrong.

    MESS is much more louder, eccentric and dirtier with it's production. With hard hitting drums and grooves on the opener "Mask Maker" and the pulsating beats on "Vox Tuned D.E.D.". The album also experiments with other sounds, like an EBM style    The most enjoyable dance rock/punk album that I've heard in recent years. I thought the band hit a creative peak with WIXIW, but I was wrong.

    MESS is much more louder, eccentric and dirtier with it's production. With hard hitting drums and grooves on the opener "Mask Maker" and the pulsating beats on "Vox Tuned D.E.D.". The album also experiments with other sounds, like an EBM style beat on the track "Pro Anti Anti" and a three minute long instrumental track "Darkslide" that just adds layers on top of other layers over even more layers the further it progresses.

    The album also takes time to calm down a bit with tracks like "Dress Walker" and other tracks on the second half on the album. So it isn't a full on sonic beatdown from start to finish.

    Oh, the lead single "Mess On A Mission"....pure gold.

    What happens when you take WIXIW, turn it dirty, infuse it with crazy juice and structure the songs like LCD Soundsystem-esque dance records? You'll get MESS.

    Fav Tracks: Mask Maker, Vox Tuned D.E.D., Pro Anti Anti, Mess On A Mission
    Least Fave Track: Left Speaker Blown    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Austin Chronicle
    May 1, 2014
    67
    For a group that's never settled down, Mess could be described as Liars' comfort zone.
    Read full review
  2. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 30, 2014
    80
    All of Mess has an enjoyably menacing feel that will prove inviting to Liars fans and new listeners alike.
    Read full review
  3. Magnet
    Apr 18, 2014
    75
    The alterations and differences may be slighter and more comparable to alt-music's lexicon, but that's bound to happen after a decade and a half. Still, the redefinition continues, and so does the compelling art. [No. 108, p.51]
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