The collaboration between The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis is something of a masterclass in musical alchemy. By uniting four talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, the group has created a unique sonic landscape. Featuring members of Fugazi alongside acclaimed jazz saxophonist Lewis, the project showcases the power of synergy and the beauty that unexpected pairings can bring. The result was both powerful, poignant, melodic, and exciting. Teetering on the brink of chaos and order, the crowd was left on the edge of their seats (err, shoes) throughout the set.
The cooperative played at San Diego’s Soda Bar, and we were excited to see if the band could match the energy they created on the recorded album. And it did not disappoint. What we witnessed was four musicians on a collision course for a volatile, cacophonous, hook-filled night of expert level musicianship and chemistry. They played every song on the album (plus a few bonus tracks) and the band didn’t waste any time with in-between song stage banter, creating a continuous progression of the performance that kept our attention the entire time. At various points throughout the set, each member had their chance to shine.
Lally and Canty, the rhythm section from Fugazi, played with a renewed sense of purpose and left their thumbprints on the music. Anthony Pirog’s masterful guitar work provided a solid foundation for the band’s sound. While The Messthetics trio delivered their signature style with precision and passion, James Brandon Lewis at center stage was given the space to let his sax playing fully shine, making the night one to remember.
Watch the full set below:
Set List
- Emergence
- That Thang
- Three Sisters
- Boatly
- Time Is The Place
- L’Orso Railroad Tracks Home
- Asthenia
- Fourth Wall
- Serpent Tongue
- Fear Not
- Once Upon A Time
- Instanktive
Leave a Reply