"Mess can sound pretty tame compared to electronic acts which can be linked to their ultra-percussive, post-punk aesthetics such as Factory Floor or Fuck Buttons. As enjoyable as it can be, Mess is a centrist record from a band without a lot of centrist strengths and appreciating it can feel like a symbolic gesture: it's easy to support a band who's achieved their level of success while making conceivably challenging music. In other words, it's easy to admire because Liars are easy to admire".