Mayberry - 'Beautiful Mess' (EP Review)

Mayberry is a rising pop rock band from Edinburg, TX. They've shared the stage with Fall Out Boy, Plain White T's, and Fifth Harmony. They will release their new EP, Beautiful Mess on Friday, July 22nd. It was produced and co-written by John Keefe and Morgan Dorr (Boys Like Girls). The much anticipated EP features six brand new songs. Frontman, Esteban Rodriguez says, "Beautiful Mess is a project I'm extremely excited about. Songs about personal experiences, this EP is influenced by many styles and sounds that I hope will appeal to old & new listeners." I was eager to check out this EP and hopeful for fun pop rock that has a little more to grasp onto than some modern pop rock bands seem to deliver.

"Wildfire" starts the EP and is a wonderful, upbeat way to start. It immediately catches my attention and the infectious pounding and clapping in the background causes me to move my head with the beat throughout the song. This is definitely a song that fans will love and might hint at those Fifty Shades of Grey inspirations the band discussed with us. I'm sure this will be a fun song to see performed live and will inspire the crowd to get involved. If "Wildfire" was the perfect intro and an instant summer jam, "On Top Of The World" is the perfect follow up and the anthemic song of the EP. I particularly enjoy the beginning and the instrumentation with the layered chants in the background. "Say What You Want From Me" shows another side of the band. It's the slow jam that highlights Esteban's vocals and the more somber side of the band. The group chorus chants add a lot to the dynamic, as well.

"Don't Be Shy" brings the tempo back up and is a fun, sing-along-able song. You're in for a fun surprise near the middle with a little layered vocals and fun instrumentation. "Find My Way" is another song that highlights the more mellow side of the band. I particularly like the instrumentation and the uplifting sound of the song. As much as I like the poppier side of the EP there's something about how striped down and raw this song is that I like, as well. "Coming Home to You" is another mellow song. Strumming and smooth vocals bring you into the song and the broken-down, softer sounds keep you going. It's a great ending to the EP and is sure to be another fan favorite.

Beautiful Mess is full of summer anthems, angst, excitement, and sing-along-able moments. It's just enough pop with just enough edge for a fan to enjoy. I can hear the Boys Like Girls influence that John and Morgan brought to the EP, but it definitely stands as its own thing, as well. This sounds like an EP that should be heard live. I imagine they will have a great show that highlights the fun, athemic songs and the more somber, intimate moments with fans. I recommend checking out this EP! Find it on iTunes.

Can't wait until Friday for more Mayberry? Check out our recent interview where Esteban took some time to tell us how important it is to write songs with a message, how Fifty Shades of Grey inspired the new music, and how the new EP is a "Beautiful Mess".

-L.Burden