The Messthetics are not a typical jazz band by any means.
With a rhythm section comprised of bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty — both formerly of punk legends Fugazi — alongside guitarist Anthony Pirog, the Messthetics blur the lines between jazz and punk. On their third album, the trio evolved into a quartet with the addition of saxophonist James Brandon Lewis.
That group launched the latest leg of their tour in support of their “The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis” album (released on March 15) on Monday night at Club Cafe in Pittsburgh’s South Side.
Opening with one of their heavier songs, “Emergence,” the band signaled what was to come for the rest of the night, as Lewis and Pirog often shared the spotlight over the next 75 minutes.
With a wide selection of pedals at his disposal, Pirog coaxed otherworldly sounds from his guitar, sometimes with a clean sound and other times feverishly shredding away. Lewis, who just played a Pittsburgh show with his quartet last week at the City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry opening night, performed powerfully, eliciting cheers several times after his solos.
Canty showed his drum prowess extends beyond post-hardcore, employing brushes and mallets, as he and Lally expertly provided the structure for Pirog and Lally to launch their dynamic solos.
More from the show: pic.twitter.com/zSSCBQOsSU
— Mike Palm (@MikePalmMedia) May 7, 2024
After the group played all nine songs from their album, with highlights including “Three Sisters,” “L’Orso” and “Fourth Wall,” they turned to their self-titled debut album for two tracks, in addition to “Fear Not,” a song from Lewis’ “Eye of I” album in 2023.
“Serpent Tongue” crunched noisily along with squonking sax and squealing guitar, with a fierce ending. “Fear Not,” which was the first official recorded collaboration between Lewis and the Messthetics, featured Lewis’ sax weaving and Pirog’s frenzied guitar.
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Pittsburgh’s Else Collective — comprised of drummer PJ Roduta, guitarist David Bernabo and bassist Matt Aelmore — opened the show with 45 minutes of instrumental, experimental jazz/rock.
Pittsburgh’s Else Collective opening for The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis at Club Cafe pic.twitter.com/NTyvYfbcHS
— Mike Palm (@MikePalmMedia) May 7, 2024
