MESSAGES

We’ve been big fans of Messages ever since they were called Mighty Mountain and had a totally different line-up, so we’re especially excited to premiere their new track “Sunshine” for you. The song offers a tantalizing glimpse at the band’s new direction, with their Arcade Fire and Devotchka qualities pushed to the forefront, Jonathan Horstmann’s lead vocal buoyed by swelling strings and Lexi Cardenas’ harmonizing as the band carves out a huge, driving sound. “Sunshine” isn’t just a single, though, it’s an early glimpse at an ambitious project the band has undertaken, pairing a sci-fi concept album with a graphic novel fleshing out the story even more. 2015 is going to be a very big year for Messages and we couldn’t be happier to help them kick it off proper. Be sure to make it out for the video release party for “Sunshine” on Friday, February 27th at Lambert’s! - Ovrld

Formerly Mighty Mountain, Messages has transformed with new members and a new and changed sound. As a result, they are releasing a three part debut of which “Sunshine” is the first song to be released. Part one of the debut will be fully released in April 2015.

I’ve already decided that “Sunshine” is going to be my slow, easy ride into summer. It’s energetic and catchy without the cheese. It’s a pure, feel-good song but more dynamic than your typical summer jam. You may not be as desperate for summer out there in Texas as this New Yorker is, but I beg of you to go check this out and dream of open car windows and cold beers on porches.

And if you’re the type that likes to be prepared before your shows, or you’re just nosy, you can download a copy of “Sunshine” from the band’s website.

P.S. – While you’re there, peep group member Lexi Cardenas’ amazing hair color. Rockstar status: achieved. - ANON Magazine

Messages, formerly known as Mighty Mountain, provided a positive and politically tinged collection of songs teeming with knockout hooks. Their peaking energy was the norm, equally adept at country hoedown and sounds reminiscent of early Coldplay. - Austin Chronicle - KAHRON SPEARMAN

It’s early yet but Messages (formerly Mighty Mountain) have already had a busy year, what with the name change and the production of a video for their new track “Sunshine” (which we premiered here). But they’re not resting on their laurels just yet, instead they’re unveiling the “Sunshine” video tonight at Lambert’s. Messages were kind enough to give us an early glimpse at the video, and I can tell you it’s probably going to make a few of you in the audience tear up, but in a good way. Mighty Mountain were already one of Austin’s most ambitious indie pop band, with a sound that mixed together elements of the Pogues, Arcade Fire and the Dears, but their transformation into Messages appears to have only made them bigger and bolder. Expect this show to be a preview of Messages’ exciting future in 2015. - OVRLD

When he’s not playing bass and synth in BLXPLTN, Jonathan Horstmann fronts the orchestral indie pop group Mighty Mountain, which released the video for “Your Last Breath” earlier this year. “Your Last Breath” is my favorite of MM’s tracks, a sweet yet melancholic slice of pop that recalls Canadian brooders The Dears and Arcade Fire in equal measure. The video, which was directed by Horstmann, rightly hones in on the band’s passionate playing against an atmospheric, foggy backdrop. The band has since switched up its line-up and their more recent shows have a punk edge to them that has slowly turned them into a more melodic Pogues, so this recording doesn’t quite capture their new energy, but it’s a beautiful example of what they’re capable of. - Nick Hanover

Your Austin Music Minute maven’s first experience with Mighty Mountain was their performance for a showcase presented by The Deli Austin at the former Club DeVille on Red River, a couple of months ago. All it took was one crashing introduction – sweeping, uptempo, happy, alive – paired with vibrant melodies and strings, to lure the ears in.

The local seven-piece ensemble released a full-length last month, The Romantic and The Mystic, bubbling over with ebullient, invigorating orchestral indie rock that brings with it some rather inspired sing-along moments. Big choruses, positive vibes. And those vibes go beyond what the band does on their record and on stage. When they’re not playing, they work with local nonprofit The Food is Free Project, initiated last year to build community gardens as independent food sources. - Laurie Gallardo - KUTX Austin Music Minute

Opening is the constantly rising star Mighty Mountain. Right on the heels of our coverage of lead singer Jonathan Horstmann’s self-directed music video and with touring dates on the horizon the indie folk group still has not stopped hustling with regular performances all over the city. I was lucky enough to catch their acoustic performance at the gorgeous Austin Recording Conservatory of Austin and glimpse the magical chemistry amongst the members. They communicate with a barely a glance and play off each other like they’ve been doing this for 20 years. - Ovrld: Austin Music First

The small indoor stage at Mohawk would be crowded with four people on it. With seven people, it is jam-packed. But Mighty Mountain uses every inch of the stage to deliver a memorable show. The band’s catchy music and enchanting stage presence helped it garner the reputation as one of Austin’s up-and-coming indie rock bands. During the show, as confetti cannons explode and a bubble machine adds to the atmosphere, the band inspires the audience to move. Horstmann, jumping around far more than seems possible on such a small stage, constantly brings the head of his bass within inches of Cardenas’ head, but she doesn’t so much as flinch as she plays her violin and dances. - Claire Gordon, The Daily Texan