Band: Public Mess
EP: Too Many Ghosts
Release Date: July 31, 2023
Genre: Punk Rock
Toronto Acoustic-Punk rockers, Public Mess, features Cactus Vella on Acoustic Guitar and Vocals, Rob Fiasco on Acoustic Bass, and Andrew Heule on Drums.
Public Mess delivers a 5-song EP that defines the genre and was recorded at Sandy Pockets Studio. A DIY recording studio located in the garage of Vella’s Wasaga Beach cottage. Mastered by Jon Drew, and released on Anxiety Attack Recordings, Too Many Ghosts clocks in at just under 18 minutes long and leaves you wanting more. The EP also features a cover of “Objector” by the legendary Blundermen. A Toronto-based punk band from the early 1990s.
The opening track, “They Bring Me Woes,” masterfully fuses alt-country vibes and punk rock influences. The lyrics offer a raw portrayal of the lasting impact of past experiences. The central chorus, “And now there’s too many ghosts in my life,” is a powerful and resounding statement that conveys the weight of unresolved emotions and past experiences and serves as a powerful reminder of the all-encompassing and burdensome nature of these haunting memories, establishing a firm thematic core for the entire release.
The final track, “Leaving Parkdale,” brings the release to a close with its understated yet captivating essence. Despite its simplicity, the lyrics pack a punch, vividly portraying a resolute choice to break free from a cold and unfriendly setting. The repetition of “leaving Parkdale tonight, whoa” adds an anthemic quality to the song, making it easily memorable and will entice the audience’s participation during live performances. The emotional release in the “whoa” chants reinforces the conviction and determination behind the decision to leave.
In conclusion, Too Many Ghosts impressively showcases Public Mess’s versatility and skill in blending genres, offering a diverse range of emotions and storytelling throughout the well-crafted EP. Each track stands out individually, providing a glimpse into the band’s various facets and highlighting their strengths as songwriters.
Find out more about Public Mess via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We are Public Mess from Toronto. We’re a fairly new 3-piece acoustic Punk band. I’m Cactus Vella. I play acoustic guitar and sing. I’ve played in a bunch of bands over the years including Sinkin’ Ships, The Class Assassins, Plan 37, and Whiskey Hearts, just to name a few. Also in the band are Rob Fiasco on acoustic bass, and Andrew Huele on the drums. Rob and I attended high school together up north in King City Ontario. Rob has also been at it for years with bands like Blank Stare, The Donnellys, and currently plays with indie rockers Centraal. Andrew Huele, taught himself to play drums as a kid from a VHS tape! He’s also been at it for years, playing all kinds of music all around the world. He currently also plays in Stillwaves, as well as creates psychedelic electronic music under the moniker Howlin’ Heule.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
Too Many Ghosts is a 5 song EP that we recorded in my DIY garage recording studio. The songs on Too Many Ghosts deal with topics such as Life and death, as is the case with the opening track “They Bring Me Woes”. Ever feel like you’re sounded by ghosts? That’s how I felt when I was writing that song. “Never Get Sober” is a song I wrote about an old friend and former bandmate who passed away last year, and it carries a similar essence. The song is honest and simple. “Objector” is a cover of the Blundermen. A Toronto punk band from the early 1990s. This band had an immense influence on both myself and Rob when we were young punks, and the song resonates very well in today’s current political climate. It’s important that we pay homage to some of the great local bands that came before us. On “The Tide”, I sing about living fast, being left for dead, and just barely surviving. The EP closes with “Leaving Parkdale”. A love letter to our favorite neighborhood in Toronto. At one point all 3 of us lived in the south-west Toronto neighborhood. These days, only Rob remains there. Andrew and myself have relocated a few blocks north.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
In general, I’m inspired by my city. The streets of Toronto offer me tons to think about. Conversations with my family and friends, movies, and other bands are constant sources of inspiration. However, with a few of the songs on this EP, I was directly inspired by the recent deaths of loved ones. It wasn’t darkness, as much as it was acceptance.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
We don’t have any shows booked at the moment. But we plan on hitting the road later this year. If you want us to come to your town please reach out and let us know.
What’s your goal for 2023?
To write, record and release more music.
Connect with Public Mess:
Bandcamp