It’s been just over three years since Mess Esque – the stunning collaboration between Helen Franzmann (McKisko) and Mick Turner (Dirty Three, Tren Brothers) – released their self-titled album (see my review here), and today they have announced a follow-up entitled ‘Jay Marie, Comfort Me’ due for release on 28 March 2025 through Drag City Records and Remote Control Records.
First cab off the rank is the single ‘Take Me To You Infinite Garden’ – a fuzzy, ominous fugue that’s hypnotic and thrilling, driven by the contrast between the buzz-saw guitars and thundering drums with Franzmann’s dreamy ethereal vocals that turn into a piercing lament soaked with melancholy. It’s a deliciously dark dream with a gothic thrill.
The accompanying video by Charlie Hillhouse is suitably mysterious and immersive:
You can download or stream the single here.
Along with Keeley Young and Kishore Ryan from the live band, the album features cellist Stephanie Arnold and a couple of Australia’s living legends of percussion: Bree van Reyk and Mick’s ol’ Dirty Three partner-in-crime, Jim White. You can pre-order here and through the link below.
Feature Photograph: Mick Turner/Helen Franzmann
