Chicago band Top Deck released their LP “Don’t Lose Your Footing” in late September (Bandcamp link.) Before then the guys put out a couple of videos to preview the collection, including for the song “Messing It Up.”
I heard “Messing It Up” a while back on the band’s YouTube channel and liked it right away. What I wasn’t prepared for was how the chorus / hook would get stuck in my head.
I don’t know why,
I’m messing it up all wrong…
It’s a well-fashioned and perfectly delivered line. Of course “messing it up” is getting it wrong, but continuing the line with “…all wrong” not only makes it memorable but also more relatable. Is messing it up all wrong actually getting it right? In terms of the soundscape the song creates: yes.
“Messing It Up” display’s Top Deck’s playing and writing skills. They even take the tune to a complete stop late on to add in a vocal harmony leading to a ramped up ending. Not your typical high school rock band for sure. You can hear the same kind of musical styling in “Care For Me (The Failure Song.)” Impressive, catchy stuff.
The video matches the single’s professionalism and artistic take. It’s well filmed and edited. Hey, what are YOUR local high school kids doing these days? Top Deck (Spotify) might well inspire them.
Notes From Top Deck
From the band (about the video): “The Asian gentleman is Sam, He’s the lead singer. The other guy with glasses is Ethan, who’s the lead guitarist.
The blond kid isn’t actually in the band but is our general manager. Our bassist and drummer don’t actually feature in the video, but Mark is our bassist and Christian is our drummer.”
The band describe themselves: “Top Deck is a Chicago based alternative/emo band. All of us (except Christian) are very close friends from high school.”
About “Messing It Up,” the guys say: “The song was written in one day, and the video was filmed later that same night. It’s a simple story about self-doubt, frustration, regret, and “rocks from space.”
LINK: https://top-deck.bandcamp.com/album/dont-lose-your-footing
UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.
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