The Messies, April 20, 2005, Whisky a Go-Go, Los Angeles
by Lori Kozlowski

Back in 1966, Jim Morrison and his band emerged as legends at a little club on Sunset Boulevard. Like The Doors — who played the Whisky a Go-Go in the sexy 60s, The Messies put on a show that made people dance.

On a Wednesday night, The Messies — a fabulous fivesome who assembled themselves in 2003—played with vigor, saying hello to the Whisky as if the club itself were an old friend, a demi-god, or someone to impress.

The Whisky—a vintage L.A. establishment that is a low-lit, one room dance hall. There is a mirrorball turning overhead and sign next to the stage that reads: If you stage dive, you go home.

There is little room for error in the Whisky. The venue is up close and personal. Fans can see your face, specifically what you’re wearing, and even if you scowl or sneeze. There was no need for The Messies to fear. They lit up the room when they played "Super Sexy," a song that is currently getting radio air time. Fans sang along and the energy made people who were previously sitting upstairs get out of their chairs.


Photo by: Shani Belisle

Often compared to artists such as Blink 182 and Simple Plan, The Messies have a quirky, youthful feel and catchy songs that attract people of all ages. Their songs make you want to sing along leaving the chorus in your head for days.

The band is comprised of Kelly Kidd on lead vocals, Thomas Gallmeier on drums, Shane Jordan on bass, and Russell Crane and Borja Guevara both on guitar.

The 11 songs on their CD Behind Every Scream include themes of longing, monstrous relationships, making anything possible, and living life like you mean it. There is a mix of real heart and the off-beat.

As Kidd finally belts out words to "Super Sexy" he rips off a long-sleeved, buttoned-down, black collared shirt. Underneath is a tee-shirt of Pope John Paul II. It reads: The People's Pope. This singer has heart, he is dancing, he is doing a modified bees-knees and then finishing his song with a bow.

The band is not only entertaining to hear, but also to watch. They seem to love what they do. By the fourth song they played "Better Off Dead," which is from their yet-to-be-released CD that is due out this June, Kidd achieves a sweet harmony with bassist Jordan as they sing the memorable tune.

The Messies are racking up tally marks of proof that they are talented. Thanks to MTV, The Messies will be featured on the Laguna Beach DVD, due out in late spring. In addition, Virgin Megastore in Hollywood chose The Messies as one of ten unsigned bands to be carried in their store. And Shape Magazine chose recently selected The Messies song "Anything Is Possible" as part of their suggested workout songs that rock.

Their list of talents matches the performance that the blossoming band gave at the Whisky. In '66, of course, after Jim Morrison screamed out then-controversial lyrics to the song "The End," as legend has it, the band was fired from the club. Unlike The Doors, The Messies were not ousted from the Whisky, in fact, after the show they hugged fans and more than likely they celebrated becoming part of the fabric that makes up L.A.'s rock and roll history.