Deface the Currency

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:01 am

The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis Collaborate on "Deface the Currency"

The post-punk trio the Messthetics and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis have joined forces to release their debut album, "Deface the Currency," a project that marks a significant collaboration between two distinct musical backgrounds. The album, released on the iconic jazz label Impulse! Records, represents a convergence of Lewis's jazz and post-bop influences with the Messthetics' post-punk roots.

Lewis, known for his adventurous approach to music, gained recognition after his 2014 album "Divine Travels." He connected with the Messthetics, comprising guitarist Anthony Pirog, drummer Brendan Canty, and bassist Joe Lally, through the New York music scene. The collaboration began with a live performance in 2019, leading to the recording of "Deface the Currency."

The album's release on Impulse! Records places the quartet within a lineage of avant-jazz artists. This partnership has brought Lewis back to a major label and provided the Messthetics with a new platform, expanding their audience to include jazz enthusiasts. The band embarked on a tour of jazz festivals and clubs in both America and Europe.

Recorded after their European tour, "Deface the Currency" captures the intensified chemistry between the musicians. The album features a blend of funk, noise, and beauty, with tracks showcasing the interplay between the musicians. For example, "Clutch" highlights the contrast between Pirog's serene arpeggios and the band's powerful entrance, while "Universal Security" demonstrates the rhythm section's tension, allowing Pirog and Lewis to create sheets of sound.

The album also includes quieter moments, such as "30 Years of Knowing," which offers a reflective interlude. The album closes with a reimagining of the Messthetics' 2018 song "Serpent Tongue," transformed into a free-jazz piece.

BNN's Perspective:

This collaboration is a fascinating example of how musical boundaries can be blurred to create something new and exciting. The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis have successfully merged their distinct styles, resulting in an album that is both challenging and rewarding. The choice of Impulse! Records as a label is a smart move, giving the project the credibility and reach it deserves.

Keywords: The Messthetics, James Brandon Lewis, Deface the Currency, post-punk, jazz, Impulse! Records, album, collaboration, avant-jazz, Anthony Pirog, Brendan Canty, Joe Lally, music, new release, jazz fusion

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