We previously featured The Mess:Age as they tapped into an assertive and self-realized energy for MR W.H.O, so when we heard that the talented band were back with FAMOUS FRIEND, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
FAMOUS FRIEND is a profound and electrifying ode to friendship, fame, and prophecy. Written by The Mess:Age’s founder and vocalist Glen Brandon, aka “Ziggy,” the track unfolds with a classic rock energy, propelled by soaring guitar riffs and a stadium-sized sound. From the moment the track kicks in with an astral, super-dimensional flair, we are drawn into a soundscape that echoes the timeless authenticity of rock legends, while still feeling incredibly fresh and forward-thinking.
The lyrics capture the emotional complexities of fame, specifically focusing on the long-standing bond between Ziggy and bassist Paul Gold (formerly of Two Tribes). The prose details Ziggy’s prophetic vision of the strains and pressures that fame could place on their friendship. FAMOUS FRIEND isn’t just about stardom, it’s about the challenges that arise when life, success, and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle test the strength of personal relationships. The whirlwind of chaotic energy, from screaming fans to the fast lane of fame, is vividly painted in the song’s storytelling.
Ziggy’s vocal delivery strikes a balance between raw emotion and philosophical questioning, asking, “Am I a fake or reality?” – a line that perfectly encapsulates the existential crisis that fame often brings. Layered with acid rock influences and driving bass lines, the track offers a heavy, atmospheric vibe that aligns with its themes of prophecy and surrealism, while the out-of-this-world guitar solos transcend the song into an entirely new dimension.
The song stands out as a forewarning of the trials Ziggy and Gold would face, yet it celebrates the enduring power of their friendship, even as they navigate the “crazy whirlwind madness” of the rock star life. With production rooted in East London and inspired by cinematic moments like Death Wish 2 and iconic tracks like Brown Sugar, FAMOUS FRIEND encapsulates The Mess:Age’s ethos – authentic, timeless rock infused with deep emotional resonance.
In every chord, the band wears their hearts on their sleeves, creating a sound that circumvents the barriers of reality, much like Ziggy’s lyrics themselves. At its core, the song serves as a meditation on the tension between personal identity and public persona. Does the pursuit of success inevitably alter who we are, or can we preserve the essence of our being despite the pressures of fame?
The song suggests that, while the external world may change, the authenticity of deep friendships can anchor us, reminding us of who we truly are amid the chaos. A zeitgeist anthem with a deeply relatable message. We have added FAMOUS FRIEND to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream the band’s wider discography, and explore their website – www.pumpkinpiemusic.com – in depth: a space where we can connect with the The Mess:Age on a much more personal level.