living legends
Madrid, Malaga, and Alicante stand as the trio’s current stages as they navigate the North American punk and alternative scene, infusing Spain with a bold urban pulse this week. A Thursday night performance at 20:00 in Sala Stereo will spotlight their latest album, a concrete blend of instrumental precision and restless energy. The material invites listeners who crave a fresh, modern edge that refuses to stand still.
Anthony Pirog takes the guitar, Joe Lally handles the bass, and Brendan Canty commands the drums, forming a lineup that marks their first extended run together in Spain. Their arrival follows their 2019 Primavera Sound appearance, which capped off the arc begun with a 2018 self-titled debut that fused improvisational intensity with disciplined rock dynamics.
Canty and Lally anchor the rhythm section, a pairing whose roots reach deep into an influential independent scene. Fugazi served as a touchstone in the evolution of punk that prized independence and risk. Although the group dissolved in 2002, its impact continues to reverberate across contemporary stages, shaping new voices and daring performances.
These musicians stand as living references in a scene that respects the past while forging ahead. References to the North American punk and alternative era do not hinge on nostalgia. Instead, they channel raw energy into tangible soundscapes that unfold live. Their two released records reveal a performance language that remains urgent and revitalized, delivering shows that feel as powerful as the studio recordings.
The chance to witness this trio live marks a significant moment for fans who value immediate, visceral music. Their live sets are known for intensity, precision, and a willingness to explore textures that redefine the traditional guitar-bass-drums dynamic. The concert in Manises adds another chapter to a tour that balances technical skill with an adventurous approach to composition.
Manises. INFORMATION
The story of meeting Joe Lally and Brendan Canty to form Mestesthetic traces back to 2017, a moment that generated buzz well before any studio release. The addition of Anthony Pirog as guitarist brought a tonal shift and heightened intensity, yet the core melodic instincts remained intact while the sonic palette expanded. Pirog’s background in free jazz and improvisation informs the band’s approach, blending exploratory textures with a melodic sense that keeps the music grounded. This blend positions Mesthetic as a compelling case study in how a trio can balance improvisational risk with song-centered momentum.
Thanks to a collaborative effort involving the concert organizer Anonymous Fashion Sparkle and Amistat Collective, along with three underground acts from nearby scenes, audiences can expect a trio-driven bill that showcases three distinct approaches to music without traditional confines. Los Manises, Pioner, and Cemënteri contribute different textures to the night, each bringing a unique voice that places punk and post-hardcore within a broader musical conversation. The lineup shares a common ethos: purity of intent, fearless experimentation, and performances that honor the scene’s history while pushing it into new shapes.
[Citation: Anonymous Fashion Sparkle, Amistat Collective, local underground acts]