Philadelphia's The Holy Mess has been a band for a couple years and put out a couple solid EP's. Their first full length, "Cande Ru Las Degas"helps expand the band's sound while pleasing those faithful to their past work. I caught these guys at my favorite NJ venue, Asbury Lanes for a benefit early this year and instantly got into these guys. (Shinfo)
The sound presented on their EP "Dismount" was very agressive, yet melodic punk. They actually sounded pretty similar to NOFX, at least to me. While that aspect is still present in the newer material, The Holy Mess have definitely mellowed out a little. Not that this is a bad thing, opener "My Boring 90's" is nothing but a lone guitar and vocal, with bass sprinkled throughout. The faster punk side of the band comes out on "Half That And Dublin", with ripping guitars and faster tempo drums.
As much as I enjoy the band, I can't help but come away with a sense of disappointment. Again, not that "Cande" is a bad album, it just doesn't hold up well against their earlier material, but that is one man's opinion.
Staff Rating
3.00/5
User Rating
3/5
The Holy Mess - Cande Ru Las Degas
Elliot
August 18 2012 9:57 AM
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Bad Debt
6,335 Posts
29/M/CO
This album is great. I get where you are coming form with feeling disappointed with the album I had a few notions at first also. I guess it wasn't what I was expecting and im not sure what that was, but CANDE really captures everything about their old material and brings some maturity and progress to their songwriting while keeping things from not being stale and remaining true to the genre. This album manages to not sound like any of their past material while still sounding like the holy mess. Its super catchy and easy to listen to. People who have never heard their previous stuff will probably love this rigth away, were people who are familiar with their past releases may have to spin this a few times to get it. It really is good.
Maryland Matt
August 18 2012 10:11 AM
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still oh so ill
7,084 Posts
31/M/MD
I saw these guys when they came through with A Wilhelm Scream a couple months ago. I thought they were really good live. I'll have to check this out.
bryan.batiste
August 18 2012 5:47 PM
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Audio Engineer
91 Posts
24/M/NJ
Yeah Elliot, i definitely still dig the album, as it has grown on me the last couple listens. The review was definitely written in the context of first impressions, given my affinity for the earlier EP's. They still rip live as well.
