Album Review // The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis // Deface The Currency
5/5 stars
An ultrasonic landscape with the unlikely pairing of punk and jazz creates the unique sound that is the Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis. On Deface The Currency, the four-piece combines these two outsider genres and proves that they belong together more than previously thought. The rhythm section was previously part of the D.C. area indie-punk band Fugazi, known for their DIY ethos and political stances. That Fugazi groove shines through on tracks like "Gestations" and "Clutch." Guitarist Anthony Pirog is the perfect fit, acting as a conduit between punk and jazz – in this instrumental band, his playing is forward-facing when the saxophone isn't taking the lead. The Messthetics started as a three-piece and released two albums that way, until they paired up with jazz saxophonist James Brandon Lewis for their first album together in 2024, after a successful tour (where they made a stop in Erie). The jazz is still present on tracks "30 Years of Knowing" and "Rules of The Game," while they enter no wave territory, akin to the sound of Sonic Youth on the songs "Universal Security" and the blistering final track "Serpent Tongue (Slight Return)." The album is a great example of what The Messthetics sound like live, with the same raw intensity and technical prowess. Thankfully they are returning to Erie on Sunday, May 3 at Centennial Hall, where fans can pick up this fantastic album and experience the performance for themselves.
