Alex Ray has released her new track, “MESSY,” today, October 17, 2025, alongside an EP of the same name. It does well as a vulnerable and relatable deep-cut with phenomenal energy.
When “MESSY” starts, its synthy instrumentation gives it a darker pop vibe, the vocals definitely taking the spotlight with their reflective lyrical nature. What makes it stand out, though, is that more hardcore influences are introduced as the track moves along. The sound seamlessly flows into stronger instrumentation with trashy guitars and powerful production, all alongside the synthy sounds from the start. It has these moments where the sound pulls back into atmospheric synths or softer vocals before the other instrumentation cuts in with a punch. Also, the dynamics of the vocals give just as much power as those of the instrumentation. This release definitely isn’t one to be missed!
Lyrically, “MESSY” is about, well, it’s about being messy. It has explorations of anxiety, depression, struggling with drinking problems, and feelings of not being lovable. It seems to come from a raw place of personal struggle, a struggle that leads to mistakes and feelings of missed potential. Using the heavier sound plays into the lyrical themes explored in the chorus as it repeats, “Up again, down again.” There’s a lot of personal struggle analyzed in this single piece, and it shows what it’s like to grapple with one’s own emotional state and feelings of the self.
“MESSY” is fresh and available now, so it’s the perfect time to bump up its streams!
Written by Sage Plapp
Where to find Alex Ray:
