The Messthetics, “The Messthetics”The Messthetics are a trio of Washington, D.C.-based musicians who have, with their self-titled debut, made a praise-worthy, nine-track album of intricate, tightly-woven instrumentals that will undoubtedly be on many music critics’ “Best Albums of 2018” lists.
The band is comprised of members Brendan Canty (drums), Joe Lally (bass), and Anthony Pirog (guitar). Canty and Lally are perhaps best known as the rhythm section and one half of the proto and post-punk pioneers Fugazi, a band whose sonic influence and DIY aesthetic have informed countless bands since forming in 1987, before going on indefinite hiatus in 2003. Perhaps the most glaring difference between Fugazi and Messthetics is the ridiculous, jaw-dropping level of technical prowess and aptitude Pirog brings front and center to the band and album.
As the story goes, Canty had heard about a ripping young guitarist in suburban D.C. who was already well-known in free jazz, improvised noise, and experimental music circles, and “was promptly floored” after seeing him play up close and live. The combination of Canty’s breakneck drumming, Lally’s thudding bass grooves and Pirog’s aforementioned approach to shredding guitar comes together in a precise and prescient debut, arguably one of the most comprehensive new music debuts in some time.
The self-titled record is available Friday, March 23, via Dischord Records on compact disc and LP on standard black vinyl. The vinyl, as is customary, comes with a digital download in your choice of various high-quality formats.
Recommended for fans of instrument-era Fugazi, Battles, Don Caballero, Hella, and brief moments of Lightning Bolt and Shellac.
Jon E. Lynch[email protected]
