Sweet Mess can hold a room all on their own, and “The Warning” shows that. It’s a band designed for the stage and that live gladiator spirit is shimmering in every moment of the song.
Originally from Phoenix, this 4-piece got their chops in the ring playing tribute shows for years before they finally got to their own material. That background is reflected in the presence of the song. There’s no uncertainty about this song, no unfinished thought, no ambiguity as if the band isn’t quite sure how to do it.
The rhythm section propels the thing forward with a real purpose. The entire track is built up with a constant undercurrent that doesn’t allow it to stagnate, and this adds a lot of momentum to the song. The guitar playing alternates between two different styles—sometimes more assertive and weighty, sometimes more restrained and measured. The exchange keeps the song interesting and the song doesn’t stay in one mood for too long.
Sylvie’s voice is in the middle of it all. I think there’s a confidence in the way she takes each line but there’s something slightly mysterious about it, as though she knows more than the listener does. This combination adds the edge to the song. The gradual pacing of buildup and pull back keeps you engaged and present in the song. It doesn’t just get louder for the sake of it. Instead, it takes advantage of the quieter moments to make the larger moments hit hard when they come.
All four of these players have a chemistry between them that only years of playing together and reading off stage can create. You can hear that common understanding in the way that everything fits together. Sweet Mess have created a song that’s perfect for an audience but can stand alone. There is a seriousness to The Warning, and a feeling, too, that this band has more to say.
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