Do you miss the ’90’s? I mean, the good part of the ’90’s…when the genre we called “alternative” ruled the airwaves? And we actually listened to the radio? I do. If you also long for the days when MTV played music videos, give Dallas, Texas band MESSER a listen.
MESSER’S self-titled debut album starts strong, with “Throw it Away.” It’s a driving tune with intense verses, a big chorus, and deep lyrics, telling the story of someone lost in life, but afraid to change. The band’s strength really shines in the second track, “Everything Beautiful.” The influence of Texas rock legends Pantera is clear in the opening riff, and the melody of the chorus really strikes an emotional chord.
The album highlight, for me, is “Fight of my life.” This is the most dynamic song on the album, with the verses bringing a whole new mood, before launching into a rocking chorus.
“Lay Down Your Heart” and “One More Time” show the softer side of the band. Both are solid songs and bring some variety to the album.
However, MESSER really shines when they bust out the riffs and rock hard. Vocalist Dereak Messer’s voice fits this style well. “Make This Life,” the band’s current single, is another fist-pumping anthem. This well-produced song also has some fun little elements that make it worth a close listen.
The alternative/post grunge vibe is strong on “Simple Man,” bringing to mind Stone Temple Pilots. The southern metal “Whiskey” will be a favorite of fans of Black Stone Cherry or Shaman’s Harvest.
MESSER brilliantly describes themselves as, “New rock that blurs the line between nostalgia and modern art.” There’s definitely a nostalgic vibe, but with enough of a modern twist to appeal to fans of more modern rock like Seether, Breaking Benjamin, and Shinedown.
MESSER is touring with Red, Lacy Sturm, and Righteous Vendetta in March and April, then they’re hitting the road through May with Shallow Side.
Track Listing:
1). Throw It Away
2). Everything Beautiful
3). Fight Of My Life
4). Still Better Off
5). Lay Down Your Heart
6). Make This Life
7). Simple Man
8). Save Myself
9). One More Time
10). Whiskey
11). Simple Man (Acoustic)
Red / Lacey Sturm / Righteous Vendetta/MESSER Tour Dates
March 1 – Columbus, Ohio @ Skully’s
March 2 – Traverse City, Mich. @ Ground Zero
March 3 – Flint, Mich. @ The Machine Shop
March 4 – Bloomington, Ill. @ The Castle Theatre
March 6 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ Varsity Theater
March 8 – Des Moines, Iowa @ Wooly’s
March 9 – Lincoln, Neb. @ Bourbon Theatre
March 10 – Greeley, CO. @ Moxi Theatre
March 11 – Grand Junction, CO. @ Mesa Theatre
March 12 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Complex
March 16 – Eugene, Ore. @ McDonald Theatre
March 17 – Portland, Ore. @ Hawthorne Theatre
March 18 – Seattle, Wash. @ Neumos
March 20 – Sacramento, Calif. @ Ace of Spades
March 22 – San Francisco, Calif. @ The Fillmore
March 25 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Regent
March 30 – Tempe, Ariz. @ Marquee Theatre
March 31 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
April 3 – Lubbock, Texas @ Jake’s Backroom
April 4 – San Antonio, Texas @ The Rock Box
April 6 – Houston, Texas @ The Scout Bar
April 7 – Dallas, Texas @ Canton Hall
April 10 – Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Tower Theatre
April 12 – Sauget, Ill. @ Pop’s
April 13 – Memphis, Tenn. @ New Daisy Theatre
April 14 – Nashville, Tenn. @ Top Golf
April 15 – Atlanta, GA. @ The Masquerade
April 20th – **Album Release Show – Dallas, TX @ Trees
