Dischord US Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Messthetics is a new instrumental trio project formed of Fugazi rhythm section Brendan Canty and Joe Lally, and Washington DC based experimental guitarist Anthony Pirog. This self-titled debut was put together from live sessions recorded at Canty's rehearsal space throughout last year, with very little overdubbing. The coupling of exploratory jazz-based experimentation with the bristling post-punk sensibilities makes for a consistently interesting listen throughout. Lead single 'Serpent Tongue' highlights this musical duality, written in unusual time signatures but underpinned by fuzz-drenched power chords and relentless bassline. The first full-length featuring Canty and Lally since Fugazi's hiatus in 2002, 'The Messthetics' is an aspirational debut from this new venture, and a must-listen for any fans of the aforementioned band's off-kilter punk sound and Pirog's rich and textural guitar work.