 In the past few years I have noticed that the Dallas music scene has been through some ups and downs with many record labels taking big hits financially, local clubs closing from lack of patronage, groups disbanding or short lived from lack of support. But with the turn of a new year, the sounds of fresh new music can rejuvenate the local scene as local artist and venues gear up for what may come in the spring and summer months.
2011 continues the success of local rock favorite, Messer, as they embark with a new single "Simple Man". With their recent return from the 2011 NAMM show this past January in Los Angeles, the band's latest effort proves once again their dexterity has been raised to a new level with the help of producer/songwriter Chad Gendason. The connection between Messer and Gendason clicked and set the wheels in motion that would soon produce the new song. As drummer Kenn Youngar explained, the bands venture to the 2011 NAMM show was to promote themselves, endorse the band and make new contacts. There wasn't even the slightest thought of working up a new song, but with guitarist, Javier Contreras perseverance and the many connections that bassist-slash-actor Billy Blair carry's in his back pocket, Messer engaged the interest of Gendason that pushed both artist and producer to new planes and completing "Simple Man" within a two day period.
"Simple Man" is a hard driving, balls out number that is well produced with the mark of an experienced engineer behind the wheel. A strong clean mix that exceeds the musicians boundaries and talents as they push themselves to new levels that neither band member have been to before. Cramming the new song in such a short time proved to motivate Messer in the direction Chad felt the band needed to be heading. With the inspiration of Chad Gendason molding the band with his past knowledge and background, Messer spewed out a new level of their own artistry that they probably didn't know they had. The chemistry that most bands wish they could achieve.
Listening to the song lyrics I hear the words of a man being pushed to a breaking point, yet crying out to what most of us want in life which is acceptance, to be our own person or to simply be left alone. "Simple Man" expresses powerful one word lyrics like; Pain, Selfish, Apathy with a descriptive feel that only the songwriter can relate to. The song depicts the struggle of a man torn between right and wrong or even heaven and hell, a song that battles ones inner fears. Knowing just a bit about singer Dereak Messer and his past addictions, I can see how "Simple Man" can be words drawn from his deeper self, words that can only be expressed from a life once lived. Yeah, I know, sounds like a lot of deep, bullshit editorial writing but the truth is good lyrics comes from real life experiences!
This review is in no way intended to chronicle or illustrate Messer as a band. The combination between them all surpass 80 years of musical experience that cannot be measured in so few words. Messer is and continues to be a driving force in more ways than one. Their persistence, motivation and natural talents, among all four band members, stand alone. The band is riding high and doing it their way and with the new song, "Simple Man", it is a sure sign Messer is to be taken seriously! Are you listening now?
The Band:
Dereak Messer - Vocals
Billy Blair - Bass
Javier Contreras - Guitar
Kenn Youngar - Drums
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Simple Man
Strained
It's not lilke I wanted it,
to sit and wait until the finger points at me
Pain
Is something that you wrestle with
to keep it inside until it turns into desease
(pre-chorus)
I can stand the way it makes me feel now
What do you want from me?
(chorus)
I am just a Simple Man
I'm better off alone
If you push me I'll push back
I'm not taking anymore
Cause I am just a Simple Man
I'm better on my own
This is where I make a stand
I'm not taking anymore
Selfish
There is nothing more to make of it
How much more do you think I can take
Apathy
I
s something that I'll never get
I can't seem to get free from this cage
(pre-chorus)
I can stand the way it makes me feel now
What do you want from me?
(chorus)
I am just a Simple Man
I'm better off alone
If you push me I'll push back
I'm not taking anymore
Cause I am just a Simple Man
I'm better on my own
This is where I make a stand
I'm not taking anymore
What doen't kill me...makes me stronger
(chorus)
I am just a Simple Man
I'm better off alone
If you push me I'll push back
I'm not taking anymore
Cause I am just a Simple Man
I'm better on my own
This is where I make a stand
I'm not taking anymore |
