Liars – Mess

Slowly and not at the top of the radar, Liars are becoming true artistic auteurs of our time. From their origins in the Brooklyn dance-punk scene at the start of this century/millennium to their renunciation of that association into untraditional song structure and instrumentation, a stint in Berlin before moving to Los Angeles, their sound has shifted as well, while remaining complex and often daunting. 2010’s Sisterworld (QRO review) verged on being accessible, but then 2012’s WIXIW (QRO review) embraced electronics that may be on top these days in terms of popularity, but not the way Liars do them, like a twisted side of chillwave. For Mess, the band keeps the electronics, as their vision turns much darker.

“Take my pants off,” “Smell my socks,” “Eat my face off,” and other strange lines are uttered in affected baritone by singer/guitarist Angus Andrew at the start of Mess opener “Mask Maker”, just in case you thought this was some hipster pop band. The pushing electronic beat of “Maker” could be danceable if it wasn’t so disturbing, and things only get more so as it flows into the following “Vox Tuned D.E.D.”. There is a thick ominous air throughout Mess, that doesn’t just spook but even scares, or at least depresses. Meanwhile, there are also all sorts of Liars sonic experiments, like the pseudo-accordion effects of “Can’t Hear Well” or the hollow percussion on instrumental “Darkslide” – yet closer “Left Speaker Blown” is actually far more melodic than that title would indicate.

It all comes together best in single “Mess On a Mission”, a roboto keyed dance with crazy breakdowns and a chorus line that will stick in your head permanently. Liars aren’t for everyone, and they’re definitely an acquired taste – but one well worth acquiring.