Messier sharpens his wide-ranging directions on sophomore LP Time Bomb without losing any adventurousness. Wielding a clever lyrical sense and hook-laden love for unexpected pop exploration, the album fuses dark and brooding, threatening to blow in its tightly wound arrangements. “I Want You to Move Me” swings toward Dire Straits, and New Wave fascinations abound, while the title track slowly breaks into epic, swelling movements. Smart and fascinatingly crafted.

***



This article appears in April 19 • 2019.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.