The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis: A Harmonious Collision of Jazz and Post-Hardcore

Brendan Canty and Joe Lally, the formidable rhythm section of Fugazi, joined forces with guitar virtuoso Anthony Pirog to form the Messthetics, later expanding to include the talented James Brandon Lewis on tenor saxophone. Their debut album on Impulse! marks a full embrace of jazz, yet intriguingly, their sound echoes more of Fugazi than ever before. With Lewis’ fluid sax playing melding with Pirog’s controlled guitar work, the album offers a mesmerizing blend of post-hardcore energy and jazz sophistication. Tracks like “L’Orso” and “Fourth Wall” showcase this seamless fusion, proving that innovation within their genres is not only possible but electrifying.

Four Tet: “Three” – An Electrified Journey Through Sound

Kieran Hebden, known as Four Tet, returns with “Three,” an album that promises an electrified reinterpretation of his folktronica roots. Following releases like “Parallel” and “871,” Hebden continues to explore the boundaries of electronic music, weaving together elements from his vast array of musical experiences. From high-profile disputes to collaborations and global tours, Hebden’s journey enriches “Three” with a depth that is both introspective and outward-looking. The singles “Loved” and “Three Drums” serve as bookends to an album that is a testament to Four Tet’s enduring innovation and creativity in the electronic music landscape.

Ana Lua Caiano: “Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado” – A Bold Tapestry of Sound

Ana Lua Caiano’s debut album “Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado” is a breathtaking exploration of musical bricolage, blending Portuguese folk, avant-garde composition, and a distinctly innovative style. Each track, though concise, is a complex and emotionally charged journey that transcends conventional pop song structures. Caiano’s deep roots in jazz and classical music, combined with an unyielding drive to experiment, result in a sound that is as confrontational as it is melodic. Influences from Laurie Anderson to Björk are woven into a fabric that is entirely Caiano’s own, making “Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado” a strikingly original debut.

AIR: “Moon Safari” – Celebrating a Timeless Classic

The 25th anniversary reissue of AIR’s “Moon Safari” offers a deluxe exploration of the album that shaped electronica. This version includes demos, live sessions, and remixes, underscoring AIR’s unique blend of musicality and innovation. From the ethereal “La Femme d’Argent” to pop anthems like “Sexy Boy,” “Moon Safari” showcases AIR’s ability to craft music that is emotionally resonant, warm, and universally appealing. The reissue not only celebrates AIR’s legacy but also reinvites listeners to experience the album’s magic, proving its lasting impact on the landscape of electronic music.

These albums and reissues, from the genre-defying collaboration of The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis to AIR’s reissued classic “Moon Safari,” highlight the continuous evolution and rich diversity of the music landscape. Each project embodies a unique exploration of sound, emotion, and innovation, offering listeners a journey through the past, present, and future of music.