Press Play: Stella and the Very Messed

Stella and the Very Messed are an indie rock band hailing from Austin, Texas. This group brings a warm and optimistic approach to rock, featuring performances from vocalist Stella Maxwell that are vivid and full of emotion, bringing the music to life.  Their latest album, Big Familiar, was released on September 19^th, and it offers a fantastic collection of pop-rock tracks.

I really love the second track of Big Familiar, “Constable Garza is Bad at His Job”. It’s a great, high-energy option with some super fun guitar riffs. The lyrics hint at a deeper story of feeling unfulfilled, adding an extra layer of complexity. The fifth track, “Soothsayer,” is an uplifting ode to following your dreams and refusing to hold yourself down. Maxwell gives it all she’s got for this performance, and it really pays off. This song feels like it’s soaring, taking the listener right along with it. The eighth track, “Crystal Ball”, is a fun dance-pop track. It starts off slow and a little eerie, but quickly kicks itself into gear. Upbeat, yet introspective, this track is a great example of what makes Stella and the Very Messed so unique. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out “Not Dynamite” as well, its been very popular here at RSU Radio!

Looking for more? Be sure to check out the group’s debut album, On Fences (2020). This album is a little rougher, dropping the pop elements for a more rock sound. Some of my favorite tracks from this album include the fast-paced “Small Funk”, the hardcore “How Could You Not Like Me?”, and the more somber “Mean Cells.” On Fences makes a great lead-in to Big Familiar, so don’t skip it during your playthrough.

Big Familiar is out now on Double Helix Records. On Fences is available to stream on most platforms. To learn more about Stella and the Very Messed, check out their website.