James Brandon Lewis, The Messthetics - Deface The Currency

Deface the Currency is the second album by The Messthetics with James Brandon Lewis. Since their first tour together, the band has become a true unit, built to conquer the stage. This record is grand, ambitious, and spontaneous—new music born out of the necessity to push boundaries and disrupt established genres. Every track is infused with this energy and with a love for playing together and being together, both live and in the studio.

Anthony Pirog, on guitar, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and brilliant musicians in the world. James Brandon Lewis, on saxophone, was named Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of 2025 by DownBeat magazine and is a towering presence in the jazz world. Brendan Canty and Joe Lally are best known as the rhythm section of the influential band Fugazi and have been playing together for nearly 40 years. Together, The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis form a cross-generational meeting of kindred spirits.