This Mess is a Place
Tacocat · 2019
32 min · 10 tracks · street punk
A vibrant blend of punk energy and pop sensibility, capturing the chaos and charm of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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New World — This track encapsulates the album's central themes of hope and resilience amidst uncertainty, driven by an infectious chorus that invites collective participation.
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The Problem — A punchy critique of societal norms wrapped in catchy hooks, this song exemplifies Tacocat's knack for blending humor with serious messaging.
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Miles and Miles — With its introspective lyrics and driving rhythm, this track highlights the personal struggles faced in navigating today's chaotic world, making it relatable to many listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines punk energy with pop hooks while addressing relevant themes, making it engaging yet somewhat conventional.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a fast tempo with driving guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages the listener.
- The album's lyrics address contemporary social issues directly, often using humor and irony to convey their messages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quick bursts of vibrant energy
- playful reflections on modern life
- short tracks for easy replay
- lighthearted anthems for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- slow, drawn-out musical experiences
- heavy emotional intensity seekers
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Mess is a Place marks Tacocat's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Lost Time, in 2016. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place in the punk scene with themes that reflect both personal and societal issues, all while maintaining an upbeat sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Julie Ruin· Bikini Kill· Cherry Glazerr
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hologram 3:46
- 2 New World 2:55
- 3 Grains of Salt 3:54
- 4 The Joke of Life 3:19
- 5 Little Friend 3:18
- 6 Rose-Colored Sky 3:51
- 7 The Problem 2:18
- 8 Crystal Ball 3:33
- 9 Meet Me at La Palma 2:38
- 10 Miles and Miles 2:53
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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