The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis Announce New Album, *Deface the Currency*, and Extensive Tour Dates
The Messthetics, the dynamic instrumental trio featuring the rhythm section of Fugazi’s Joe Lally and Brendan Canty, are set to release their latest album, Deface the Currency, on February 20 via Impulse! Records. The album is a collaborative effort with acclaimed jazz saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, building upon the foundation laid by their critically lauded 2024 self-titled album [Pitchfork].Fans can now listen to the compelling single, “Gestations,” offering a taste of the sonic landscape to come.
A Unique Collaboration Forged Through Extensive Touring
The Messthetics initially gained recognition with their 2018 debut album [Pitchfork] and a subsequent release in 2019. Their musical trajectory took a significant turn with the addition of James Brandon Lewis, a saxophonist known for his innovative and emotionally resonant playing. The collaboration blossomed through an intensive period of live performance – a remarkable 150 shows in a single year – allowing the musicians to develop a deep synergy and a unique musical language. This extensive touring experience directly informed the creation of Deface the Currency, imbuing it with a palpable energy and improvisational spirit.
What to Expect from *Deface the Currency*
Deface the Currency isn’t simply a collection of songs; it’s a document of a band finding its voice through relentless exploration. The Messthetics’ signature post-punk and math-rock influenced instrumentation provides a compelling backdrop for Lewis’s soaring and often challenging saxophone work. The album promises a blend of intricate compositions, dynamic interplay, and moments of raw, unbridled energy. Listeners can anticipate a sound that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotive, pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz and instrumental music.
Tour Dates: Bringing the Music to North America
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis will be embarking on a extensive north American tour to support the release of Deface the Currency. The tour kicks off in Portland,Oregon,and will take them across the continent,hitting major cities and intimate venues alike. Here’s a complete list of the scheduled dates:
- 04-17 Portland, OR – Star Theater
- 04-18 Seattle, WA – Clock-Out Lounge
- 04-19 Vancouver, British Columbia – Wise Hall
- 04-25 Raleigh, NC – Kings
- 04-26 Asheville, NC – Ayurprana Listening room
- 04-27 Atlanta, GA – The Earl
- 04-28 Lexington, KY – Singletary Center for the Arts
- 04-30 Chicago, IL – Constellation
- 05-01 Detroit, MI – Third Man Records
- 05-02 Toronto, Ontario – 918 Bathurst
- 05-03 Erie, PA – Centennial Hall
- 05-04 Kingston, NY – Tubby’s
- 05-05 Boston, MA – City Winery Boston
- 05-06 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
- 05-07 Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Jazz & Poetry Festival
- 05-08 Philadelphia, PA – Solar myth
- 05-09 washington, DC – The Black Cat
About the Artists
The messthetics are known for their precise, angular compositions and their ability to create a captivating sonic atmosphere. The band’s core members, Joe lally and Brendan Canty, bring decades of experience and a distinctive rhythmic sensibility honed during their time with the influential post-hardcore band Fugazi.
James Brandon Lewis is a highly respected figure in the contemporary jazz scene.His work is characterized by its adventurous spirit, its deep engagement with the African American musical tradition, and its willingness to explore new sonic territories. All About Jazz praises his “singular voice” and his ability to “transcend genre boundaries.”
Deface the Currency promises to be a significant release for both The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis, solidifying their positions as innovative and vital voices in modern music.
