REVIEW: hot mess - Make Myself Your Favorite Scene
A debut EP that encapsulates everything you’re capable of in six tracks is no mean feat. It’s a tall ask for anyone and the majority of bands still in their formative years grapple with it to the point of indecision. HOT MESS on the other hand hit the ground running with their first outing Make Myself Your Favorite Scene. The Milwaukee five piece pulled off an impressively considered body of work, that manages to balance the grit with electronic movement that make most songs a danceable feast for the ears.
Opening with Showtime, a track that not only sets the tone for the rest of the EP but pulls the listener in in a most charming way. From the moment that electronic “welcome stranger” beckons you into the record, you’ll find yourself leaving the album as so much more than acquaintances with HOT MESS. And before you’ve had a moment to catch your breath, you’ll be swiftly taken up by Take Me Home, a fast paced, electronic track that will become an undeniable fan favourite live, from its group vocals or the screamed “let’s go”, which will entrance crowds. By the time you’ve made it to New Addiction, the slowest offering, you’ll be happy for the break. Between the driving bass line, the considered lyrics and the reduced tempo, this track is so different from the others on the EP, which means it could be the most noticeable misstep, but HOT MESS stick the landing with this yin-yang track. Closing out the album is See You In Hell, which clearly desires to be the kitchen sink song - fast pace, gang vocals, fry screams, an impressive breakdown - all wrapped up in a song that strives to hold your hand through the end of the album. It’s emotional, affecting and yet will leave you wanting more, even though it provided you with the closure you needed.
A special mention must be made for the driving bass line that pulls this entire record together. Not in an overbearing way, it appears when you need it most and fades into the background at all the right moments, marrying together with the electronic elements of this EP in a natural symphony of sound. If you’re a listener who appreciates a bass line that gets its moments to shine, then this album will surprise you.
Throughout the entire album, there’s a sense of familiarity. Not only with the music, but with the band too. The tone, the vibe, is all marked with a sense of safety and trust in HOT MESS, which is a remarkable feat for such a young band launching their debut into the world. And to top it all off, it feels effortless. There isn’t a feeling that the band is finding its footing still, the sound of this record is assured, and the vulnerability comes from their willingness to explore subjects and sounds together with their new audience, whilst still guaranteeing them nostalgic, gritty enjoyment. Make Myself Your Favorite Scene is a fun, dancey record that never compromises on substance in its pursuit of a good time.
Score: 9/10
Make Myself Your Favorite Scene will be released on 16th October 2026.
Words: Jade du Preez
Photos: Abbie Lafferty
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