Review
The MES
Evil Echo and Deaf Mind-

Independent (2024) Christopher D

The MES – Evil Echo and Deaf Mind- cover artwork
The MES – Evil Echo and Deaf Mind- — Independent, 2024

Divine intervention from Finland weaving this ripsnorter straight up the nasal cavity producing flashing lights and heightened endorphin production ……. oh, the downside -repetition is essential for pure unadulterated drops of artificial sweetener-sucralose to take full effect (sure beats saccharin).
So, some old geezer like myself is under no illusion that he knows all about music but this ain't my first rodeo-yee haw.

Finnish Rautalanka had never crossed my ever-failing sensors and I can thank The Mes for the introduction to which they attribute the term- New Wave of Finnish Rautalanka (think The Shadows-who played Finland several times and The Ventures who were also well-loved by The Finnish! however, these two bands alone spawned many bands in Finland such as The Sounds(not the Adrian Borland band with the same name)

The Mes can navigate the stormy waters of the current climate of a world of a trillion bands and lean on the past all the while producing output that sounds fresh and vintage within the same hand-rolled joint. Take a puff.

At times they have a garage element not unlike early Hives, blended with one of my favourites and not often spoken about enough Dan Sartain. All the while giving us the chance to ride the crest down the aquatic skating rink, through the Banzai Pipe. The hip "Hypno Preacher" is amongst us, living, breathing, beckoning with his outstretched bony-clicking fingers for you to join him on the world's deadliest crest.
Finland has 60 rideable surfing days a year for all those in doubt- so get those boards waxed up. Vahaa laudallasi ja aja kuolemaan!
Hoping The Mes can surf their way into your blackened heart ( no they will not eat your pets) and land on North American soil and over the physical and perceived walls.

I goad you to stop spending money on retirement, nostalgia pantomime acts of fisticuffed elders and throw some crisp banknotes to new bands producing exciting helter-skelter.
Fresh Sauna music for those who don’t want to relax -jump into the cold pool and explore. Your 60's Stranglers-filled sensibilities and frozen gonads will thank you profusely.

The MES – Evil Echo and Deaf Mind- cover artwork
The MES – Evil Echo and Deaf Mind- — Independent, 2024

Related news

Joe Strummer's & The Mescaleros box set

Posted in Records on July 31, 2022

Recently-posted album reviews

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more

Bevis Frond

Horrorful Heights
Fire Records (2026)

God loves Nick Saloman, and from the heavens, the expulsion of the beloved archangel fell and spawned Horrorful Heights. A 20-track double-album behemoth. Eighty-eight minutes of musical mayhem. Who does that anymore? nobody. As they edit themselves down to make nice, safe Spotify playlists, Nick just dumps the whole glorious attic on your head like the wicked witch of the … Read more