Mestís

Based in Los Angeles, Mestís functions as an instrumental rock endeavor spearheaded by guitar virtuoso Javier Reyes, known for his roles in Animals as Leaders and T.R.A.M. Its compositions weave intricate yet tuneful structures that draw from jazz fusion, progressive metal, Latin music, and additional sources. Reyes typically handles eight-string guitar, bass, and production on the project's recordings. The 2012 debut EP Basal Ganglia, issued by Sumerian Records, incorporated drum programming from Animals as Leaders bandmate Matt Garstka along with input from percussionist Héctor Barez and veteran trombone player David Stout. Reyes devoted subsequent years to conducting guitar workshops while developing further Mestís compositions. In 2015 he formed a live configuration that brought in bassist Joe Lester of Intronaut and drummer Dave Timnick. The project's first full-length effort, Polysemy, reached Sumerian Recordings that November and featured contributions from Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel of Chon as well as Garstka and Lester.