Mess Esque

Mess Esque is an Australian duo formed in 2020, representing a cross-generational collaboration between Helen Franzmann (known for her solo project McKisko) and Mick Turner (the influential guitarist of Dirty Three). The project's sound identity is defined by the interplay between Turner's idiosyncratic, non-linear guitar explorations and Franzmann's intimate, ethereal vocal delivery.

Their work sits at the intersection of slowcore, post-rock, and dream pop, characterized by a 'long-distance' recording process that allows for a unique sense of spatial detachment and organic growth. Critically, they are praised for their ability to evoke 'liminal spaces' - the feeling of being between states or places. Turner's influence from the avant-rock and instrumental scenes of the 1990s provides a gritty, tactile foundation that prevents the music from becoming too sugary, a common pitfall of the dream pop genre. Their career arc has been prolific, releasing multiple albums and EPs in a short window, suggesting a highly fluid and intuitive creative partnership. They occupy a specific niche in the Australian indie landscape, appealing to fans of atmospheric, texture-driven music that prioritizes mood over traditional song structure.