The Messthetics return with an expansive performance

After playing Big Ears, the Washington D.C. trio pushed its sound to sprawling heights

Joe Lally The Messthetics By Chad Radford
Photo credit: Chad Radford
MYTHOMANIA: Bass player Joe Lally of the Messthetics on stage at the Earl March 25.

The Messthetics played East Atlanta on Monday, March 25, as part of the Earl’s ongoing 20-year anniversary series. It was also the group’s first stop after making two appearances during Knoxville, Tenn.’s annual Big Ears Festival. Being immersed in the Marble City’s weekend of jazz, modern classical, and otherwise adventurous music — backing up Atlanta painter, sculptor, and avant-garde folk artist Lonnie Holley for an improv set, and taking in performances by minimalist luminaries Meredith Monk and Alvin Lucier, along with Art Ensemble of Chicago’s operatic chamber-jazz production — left a mark on the Washington D.C. trio. Monday night’s show at the Earl found guitarist Anthony Pirog along with Fugazi’s drummer Brendan Canty and bass player Joe Lally, pushing the familiar instrumental numbers from their self-titled EP (Dischord) to sprawling new heights. Harpist Mary Lattimore opened the show, setting the tone for an evening of contemplative music. The Messthetics followed suit by taking a deep dive into songs such as “Mythomania,” “Once Upon A Time,” and “Quantum Path,” expanding up the rhythms and textures of each number with sprawling, oceanic movements. -CL-

 

 






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