The Messthetics: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

June 20, 2018, Bob Boilen It was Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day when this somewhat loud and sometimes frenetic band came to play at my desk. I couldn t help but wonder if The Messthetics would inspire some eightyear old child in the office to one day become a musician, one who d go on tell the tale of seeing these D. C. legends at an office when they were a kid. For me it was exhilarating to see musicians I ve known and loved for years be invigorated by younger talent. That s what happened when the bass and drums from pioneering punk band Fugazi crisscrossed with the brilliant, skillful and younger guitarist Anthony Pirog. It s only fitting that this Tiny Desk Concert happened on D. C. turf. I ve seen Anthony in a number of settings around town, including the brilliant duo he has with his wife, cellist Janel Leppin called Janel and Anthony. His playing can be understated and overthetop all at the same time. It never feels selfindulgent and his music always serves the song. Drummer Bren