10

I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business-I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business

Here I have found a piece of music that takes sub-genre rock to the next level; a slap in the face for all those that think that emo is a dirty word, this exhibits songs that are both timeless, and intelligent. The most enviously named "Ace Enders" has managed to make a stunning success of a record, a mixture of emotional modern-rock; which teeters on being indie, with splashings of his band: "Early November".

If you want a head thrasher, go grab At The Drive In, because this is soft emo-rock… at it's best; Dashboard Confessional style.

Now it's beggar's belief that I haven't heard of him, in the carnation of this project, or as part of his band, but that's just another example of the frustrating ignorance of the people needed in order to bring good music to our ever-ready ears.

You should think of this record as the one "Finch" would've made if they'd never had their hearts broken, had a good relationship with their parents, fell in love with the accordion, and considered screaming a filthy and degrading habit never to be taken up.

The opener, of which the name is a mystery, (Mr. Ender's smudgy black ink must've run out, he'll know what I mean) is a shining, and yet darkly under-toned piece, acoustically begun with a slow build, which is capable of becoming an anthem. And no, I am not playing it fast and loose with that word; when those strings kick in, you'll know it. This is about the only truly powerful track on here; in terms of hitting you in the face hard enough to feel the after effects for a very long time. All the others tip the acoustical edge a lot more.

"An Oak Tree Stands Beside a Linden" is a favourite of mine, a beautiful tale of troubled love, played out with the sound of a hollow guitar and laced with the gentle beat of an unfamiliar drum. Follower "Little Fellow" is a positive sounding tune, complete with moralistic tales accompanied by a great melody, which like most things in music, manages to sound so perfect, whilst being so simple.

Another good thing about this record is its appeal. The appeal being that it should grab the attention of all age groups, I really don't think any, (bar the obvious nippers and the obligatory antiques) would feel excluded from being able to like this. A con of this album may be its commercial appeal; i.e. it may not have all that much. I can't imagine many of the songs being played on commercial radio for a start, but if you think about it, nowadays being "commercial" is sometimes considered a con in itself.

This record really is one to watch, I just would not be-able to comprehend it if, in the future, this guy did not blow the modern rock world apart. Although saying that, the kind of material that "Ace" has exhibited here is the kind of that possesses a cult following, and that could well be as far as it'll go. I do hope not though, and I hang my small and humble bit of faith in the music industry on that not being the case.