“It’s one thing to try to plan it, but the way we play together is something you can’t really calculate”: Backed by Fugazi’s rhythm section, even guitarist Anthony Pirog can’t signpost the turns in The Messthetics’ avant-jazz sound

Anthony Pirog plays a Jazzmaster onstage with the Messthetics.

When Anthony Pirog describes what changes when saxophonist James Brandon Lewis joins his avant-noise-jazz trio the Messthetics onstage, he talks about space.

“It gives me the ability to stop playing, which is huge,” the guitarist says. With Lewis carrying a melodic line, Pirog can let the guitar drift into texture as bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty – the rhythmic core of punk icons Fugazi – navigate the twists and turns.