The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis

Description

Initially scheduled for March 15 The Messthetics, the experimental jazz-punk trio from Washington D.C. featuring Fugazi's iconic rhythm section (drummer Brendan Canty and bassist Joe Lally) alongside guitarist Anthony Pirog, release their debut album on Impulse! Records. Together, they expand the scope of decisive instrumental music through their blend of jazz, punk, funk, aggression, and innovation. "This is a band that walks away from the noise of the outside world by creating its own. But for all the guitar acrobatics and rhythmic fury on display, [the Messthetics also make] beautiful, meditative moments." Pitchfork "There was always something a little jazzy about Fugazi, so it makes sense that half of the legendary post-hardcore band have resurfaced in the instrumental group the Messthetics... [guitarist Anthony Pirog and the rhythm section Brendan Canty and Joe Lally] cook up a hypnotic, sometimes aggressively moody, ultimately meditative sound." NPR "Subverting protocol is certainly a driving force for James Brandon Lewis’ expansive artistry. In his blues, for example, he casts off rigid metronomic structures to let his changes ring freely, while counter-melody constantly shadows his clairvoyant tones." Downbeats