There is a beauty in simplicity that can be found on a cool summer morning in Sea Isle, New Jersey as the mist slowly evaporates from the beaches and that refreshing sea breeze preludes the warmth of the afternoon. This simplistic beauty can be found when sitting on a bench in Rittenhouse Square, reading a book, with an ice-cold lemonade within arm’s reach. This simplistic beauty can be found while listening to I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business’ newest album, Gold Rush. I Can Make A Mess’s mastermind, Ace Enders, may have outdid himself with the release of his third album. Gold Rush is an invigorating, spirited, unpretentious nine-song escapade that is unlike any other that can be found within the confines of Enders’s extensive catalogue of music.

Much like a great cup of coffee after a long night at the Trocadero, Gold Rush has a unique way of breaking up the morning fog within one’s head. “Complications” kicks off the record with an indie-pop flare that is reminiscent of early John Mayer meets the Shore. It is infectious without being overpowering. “My hearts been through some complications // It’s usually alright but // I don’t see a sign of life,” Enders sings as he strums away on his acoustic guitar. “Gods” is another invigorating track, finding Enders crooning over a pleasant electronic backdrop. A quick beat pushes the song through, keeping everything airy and refreshing. “Lame Ducks” is the catchiest song Enders has ever penned. The track, much like the entire album, garners a sense of timelessness.

Gold Rush is a particularly upbeat record which balances 2010’s The World We Know effectively. Enders’s lyrics and vocal delivery are spirited throughout. On “Don’t Leave Me,” Enders sings of hope despite being faced with adversity (and there has certainly been a lot of adversity in Enders’s life the past couple years). “Misery” is a slow building song where Enders’s whispering vocals builds to the chorus where he sings “When we’re flat broke // And done pretending // Life is gonna change with the pressure building // I hope that day // You will say // Baby our love is worth the misery.”

The true genius of Gold Rush is found within its simplicity. Simplicity, ironically, that is not simple to create. The album’s title track is an honest, no-frills enjoyable song that finds Enders cleverly singing “It’s hard to be copper when all your friends are gold // You still hold the value // Just not the ones they want.” The listener feels Enders’s passion without him having to scream à la his The Early November days. “Had To Be There” is yet another contagious track about longing for a loved one. “Connections” is the closest Enders comes to directly channeling the sound he created on The World We Know. The song is layered with soothing percussions and electronics while Enders’s voice is quiet and peaceful.

Ace Enders continues to grow along with his fanbase. Navigating the twists and turns of the music industry while having to provide for a young and growing family, balancing being a father and being a musician, and reconciling with growing older are not easy tasks. Yet, Enders continues to prove the doubters wrong, much to the gratification of his devoted fans. If Enders decided to bid this music thing adieu, no one would blame him; he has given his fans more than they could ever ask for. If Gold Rush proves to be his swan song, well, Enders chose one hell of a way to head out. Alas, this writer thinks Enders has a lot more in the tank.

****.5/*****

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze