The ambient, astral roar of FALLING ON DEAF EARS is fueled by the intricately crafted, pleasantly unfamiliar sound of THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS. A rich blend of studio technology and solid pop sensibility, the band makes their debut with an intelligent collection of hard and soft layers, electronic noises and swooning melodies that are stirring, refreshingly unique and strangely beautiful. Call it creative rock for the ages, it's a presentation that relies on two musical approaches which together propel the surreal, cinematic quality of the album. Infinitely detailed in its production and dynamically varied with an abundance of textures, FALLING ON DEAF EARS breathes genuine emotion and intense imagery.
The entrance into THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS' dreamy world of introspection begins with "Black Is The New Red" and continues to surprise and hypnotize with each swirling, inventive track that follows. Highlights include the poetic balladry of "Fly Anna Fly," the anthemic rock of "Clean," the epic grandeur of "Soundtrack Of My Life" and the jangly, guitar work of "Kill" and "Here I Stand." Hitting and holding notes with operatic precision, the aching voice of lead singer Arjen has an emotional directness that is undeniably sincere. Lending to the overall power and sheer depth of this already ambitious and complex record, his expressions of inner conflict hint at a captivating, spiritual crossroad.
Every song provides a link that reverberates the very theme of the album...the primal longing to understand the spirit that guides us, the soundtrack to our lives, the mysterious force that gets us through it all. The record's ultimately spiritual message takes time to reveal itself, but each listen instills a sense of affirmation, revelation and rewards you with melodies that grow and bloom with familiarity. The album's perfect instrumental ending "Last Day's Embrace" transcends the listener to a musical nirvana complete with a choir of voices, piano and strings...similar to what a state of enlightenment might sound like. Simply beautiful, breathtaking music.
Vlissingen, Holland's THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS is Arjen Van Wijk (vocals), Axel Kabboord (drums), Joop Flamman (guitar), Abne Herrebout (bass) and Lydia Wever (vocals, keyboards, string machine). FALLING ON DEAF EARS was produced by Minco Eggersman and Rene de Vries. The album was recorded by Martin Groeneveld at Mailmen Studios in Utrecht, Holland. The band's cites its influences to be The Flaming Lips, Sigur Ros, Last Days Of April and Sunny Day Real Estate. Axel plays drums in Danish noiseband Glorybox and also plays with Minco in At The Close Of Every Day. Lydia is also a member of of Brown Feather Sparrow. FALLING ON DEAF EARS is available throughout the Benelux territories and Scandanavia from Sally Forth Records. THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS will also appear on "The Emo Diaries, Chapter 7: Me Against The World" with the song "Racing The Mosaic."
