TRANSVERSO

- A culture magazine reaching terminal verbosity -

The Black Keys

Cage the Elephant Don't "Mess Around" on First 'Tell Me I'm Pretty' Single

Music News, New MusicWeston PaganoComment

Everyone's favorite crowd-surfing Kentuckians have returned with "Mess Around," the first single from forthcoming record and Melophobia follow-up, Tell Me I'm Pretty, which is due out December 18 via RCA.

Launching off with a fuzzy riff paired with an instantly infectious hook, "Mess Around" perfectly wraps up the band's dirtier feel in a tight 3 minute package, and is sure to masterfully continue their appeal on both sides of the alternative / mainstream border.

Produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, the track sounds heavily influenced by the blues rocker, particularly in the chorus, with Auerbach even contributing the guitar solo. According to an interview with Consequence of Sound, "Mess Around" was also inspired by OutKast's melodic deliveries.

The music video is a curious collage of French illusionist Georges Méliès's films, and you can watch it below.

Preorder Tell Me I'm Pretty and other exclusive merch in their PledgeMusic campaign here.