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Album reviews

Peterborough Evening Telegraph

http://www2.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/pages/guide/bands.asp#meshreview


...The album, which was released on the label AMS Records, showcases Adam Mezzatesta and Anthony Shiels distinct sound using light touches where others might have been tempted to throw in the kitchen sink.

The majority of the songs on the 12-track CD are based around piano and acoustic guitar, the format the duo generally plays live, augmented by a tight but not overpowering rhythm section to add some depth and variation to the songs.

The characteristic that really shows on the album is the pairs knowledge of how the studio works, with subtle touches going a long way on the song arrangements, especially in the instrumental sections of Cigarette and the repeating piano riff of Strange Words Of Comfort.

The whole tone of the album is very downbeat and heartfelt these are emotional songs tackling subjects like break-ups on Alive and Broken Home Sweet Home, loneliness on Waiting For The Day and 5AM, and a longing to be away from a current situation as on Close My Eyes with its chorus refrain When I close my eyes I want to be somebody else.

The sparser arrangements really underline the feelings the songs express, bringing to mind doomier singer-songwriters such as Tom McRae, who seem to rip open their chests and pour all their deepest emotions into their music.

The downside of this is the album can make the hottest summer day seem very dark and claustrophobic, making it much more a record to be listened to late at night as a way of unwinding from a rotten day.

Part of me wished that there was one lighter track on there just to vary the mood slightly.

But as a debut it captures the bands position right now two young guys, full of ambition but frustrated by the current music scene, who are going all out with their hearts on their sleeves to make an impact.

It will be great to hear what they come up with next.

To hear some of the songs in an acoustic setting make sure you get down to Cathedral Square on Saturday, July 29 where there is also the chance to get your hands on a copy of Dead Machine.

**** 4 stars

www.Vampedup.co.nz

http://www.vampedup.co.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=442 - Album review
http://www.vampedup.co.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=443 - Interview with Adam

With Dead Machine, Mesh-29 have produced what is undoubtedly the most promising album I've heard this year. If you like music that's quiet, but not lacking in intensity (think Keane or Snow Patrol ) then Mesh-29 will definitely be your new favourite band.

With their puppy dog good looks and large soulful eyes, the lads of up-and-coming British band Mesh-29 could well be members of the next hottest boy band. Their surprisingly poignant debut album, however, tends to suggest something far more interesting.

The Cambridgeshire-based duo have been developing a considerable following through the showcase they have received on myspace.com and are currently touring in an effort to increase their popularity in the United Kingdom. From the sound of Dead Machine, Mesh-29 will have no trouble achieving further success at home or finding exposure overseas.

The songs are richly emotional with lyrics of despairing beauty ( A splintered thought, to make you burst/Is it cold inside your skin? /A burning tear, a closing scar/of all the emptiness in here ) and tender compositions. The most exciting and probably darkest track on the album is the slow burning, yet extremely powerful Cigarette , but there are numerous standouts all of which would make excellent singles, most notably Broken Home Sweet Home and Alive .

There is a gentle ache in a track like Close My Eyes or Strange Words of Comfort that sets Mesh-29 apart from other acoustic-driven acts. The vocals, in particular, are fantastic. On Turning , especially, you get the sense that you are listening to a truly great vocalist.

The album is consistently wonderful and you know, right from the first bars of opener Waiting For The Day that Mesh-29 really are something special. The real showstoppers, though, are kept for the album's final act. The closing number, which is simply a voice and piano accompaniment, Alone could, in fact, be the most exquisite track on the record.


Andover advertiser review

IMMINENT stardom would be the best way to describe the acoustic and pianobased Mesh 29, as their debut album Dead Machine steadily creeps across the nation. It may be inappropriate to call such a melodic band hot, but thats exactly what
these guys are and the release of their first full length album has fans worldwide buzzing.

Dead Machine oozes with the type of confidence not often found in a debut, launching headlong into the first song, the memorable Waiting For The Day; Adam Mezzatestaa lead vocals completely at ease as he moves smoothly yet expressively
across an extensive vocal range. Mesh 29 has adopted a unique mix between the uplifting and relaxing, offering upbeat, catchy tunes, incredible lyrics and the best in moving, heart-wrenching melodies complete with an accompaniment of strings. Dead Machine is simply beautiful.

http://www.youngscot.org

http://www.youngscot.org/e-zine/?ss=89&s=113&sr=198&ID=16531



Maybe its Sum 41 and Blink 182s fault, or maybe its the use of typically rawk words like dead and machine, but this album just doesnt seem to be marketing itself in the most effective manner.

Before we go any further it seems only sensible to clear things up: this is an album for people who like mainstream rock bands with piano; people who like pretty songs delivered in a pretty manner by, what looks like, two fairly pretty boys.

Sounding somewhere between the piano-thrashing indie of Morning Runner and the emo balladry that punksters Something Corporate occasionally dabble in, this is passionate and powerful music that never loses itself in an effort to be cool or clever. Its just honest, good songs delivered with real heart and soul.

Theyve made a really smart move on this record, that most bands so new on the scene would tend not to think of Mesh 29 have actually got other musicians to play the bits they cant on the album, rather than make a stripped down, piano-guitar-vocals album that wouldnt have had anywhere near the impact.

At times they sound a little wobbly, but this seems down to the production that, as good a job as it does, sometimes just cant quite keep up with Ant and Adams level of genius, and the power of Adams voice.

The quality of tunes never seems to drop below excellent (although Ive got two favourites Closing Scar and Close My Eyes), and theres no doubt in my mind that when they play a gig in Scotland, Ill be down the front. Maybe see you there?!

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