The Mess’s debut LP Songs For Healing is now available digitall through iTunes. Having just paid off a considerable amount of my ever-expanding credit card balance, I just recently had the pleasure of purchasing this long awaited effort. For fans of earnest rock mixed with subtle-yet-entirely-effective uses of non-neon band inspired synth effects, the band’s debut is a fantastic first offering. Sonically Songs For Healing is quite comparable to the likes of Novice’s past work as well as Saosin’s self titled debut. Infectious riffs, blistering drums, and huge choruses are embedded in nearly every track. While I’ll offer a more formal review of the material once it fully sets in, there are a number of pulse pumping alt-rock anthems, hard hitting drums, and emotive ballads for everyone. “Trouble in This Town,” “Cold War,” “Breathe,” and “Follow” are just straight awesome tunes, all worthy first single picks. I’ll also add that the slight touches of piano really make songs like “The Dark” and “You are Loved” shine.

Check it out. Be back with more a little later.