This Beautiful Mess is the second release of Sixpence None the Richer. This introspective effort shows a hint of things to come with its poetic lyrics and slightly guitar-heavy melodies. Sixpence digs deep with their songs, refusing to limit themselves to strictly "Christian" concerns, one of their trademarks that has caused some "crossover" backlash. "Within a Room, Somewhere" is one of the strongest songs of the album, with Leigh (Bingham) Nash adding sweet poignancy to Matt Slocum's lyrics. "Melting Alone" keenly expresses the pain of loneliness. This album does have some slow moments, and gets a bit long by the time the last few tracks come around. All in all, this is a good album showcasing their promising future. ~ Melinda Hill, All Music Guide
This Beautiful Mess is a Dutch quintet combining orchestral, shoegazing rock and the ethereal beauty of 4AD bands like Cocteau Twins with Radiohead's sense of cathartic drama. The band consists of vocalist Arjen Van Wijk, guitarist Joop Flamman, bassist Abne Herrebout, drummer Axel Kabboord, and multi-instrumentalist Lydia Wever, who adds vocals, keyboard, and "string machine" to the group's cinematic aural palette.
On TBM's first CD, Falling on Deaf Ears, the band utilized parts of British shoegazer pop, Midwestern American emocore aesthetics, and electronica to create a well-conceived debut filled with yearning, introspective lyrics painted against swirling, hypnotic musical backdrops. Produced by the tag-team duo of Minco Eggersman and Rene de Vries, it was recorded at Mailmen Studios in Utrecht, Holland, by Martin Groeneveld. This Beautiful Mess joined the roster of American indie label Deep Elm in time for a 2001 release of Falling on Deaf Ears. ~ Andy Hinds, All Music Guide
