Review: A work that surely needs little to no introduction, 'Repeater', was the seminal debut full-length from post-hardcore visionaries, Fugazi. From the demise of emo pioneers, Rites Of Spring, and hardcore punk godfathers, Minor Threat, came the enigmatic pairing of Guy Picciotto and Ian MacKaye, with the latter's burgeoning artistry left fully untethered to conjure a work transcendent of post-hardcore or alternative rock. Mapping out the blueprint for punk and alternative music throughout the nineties, even predating the likes of Nirvana's 'Nevermind', or Pearl Jam's 'Ten'; few projects have stood the test of time or been cited as such an integral influence by a dynamic range of artists from Rage Against The Machine to The Dillinger Escape Plan to American Football. Aggressive, expansive and highly critical of issues still plaguing our world today, from drug abuse to greed and privatisation, the ethos of, 'Repeater', (quietly referencing The Beatles' 'Revolver') has only swollen with time.
Review: Originally released in 2001, The Argument would serve as the sixth and final full-length from Washington D.C. post-hardcore visionaries Fugazi (led by Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Guy Picciotto of Rites Of Spring). Released in tandem with their Furniture EP, the project continued the band's further experimentation and internal dissection of a subgenre and style they were creating, curating and bastardising in real time. Making extensive use of cello and piano, while weaving in more unhinged spoken word diatribes, the project falls in line with the latter-day art punk of Red Medicine and End Hits, while providing a bookended finale of incomparable intensity, equally disgusted and concerned with the war-torn world at large and man's constant inability to find better means of facilitating change. Often cited as not only the band's best work but a monolithic cornerstone of the scene at large, this repress naturally lands courtesy of MacKaye's own Dischord Records and arrives on artwork complimenting blue marbled vinyl.
Review: Originally released in 2005, Feral Hymns would serve as the 11th (and true final) full-length from Washington D.C. devout Dischord Records alumni Lungfish. Having released every album apart from their debut with Minor Threat/Fugazi visionary Ian MacKaye's label, they were easily one of the longest lasting on the roster when considering the longevity of their peers and labelmates in say Jawbox or Shudder To Think. Continuing their consistent aura of experimental first wave emo stripped down to caustic, murky minimalist compositions, the material sticks to their established formula but embittered by the passage of time, while the commitment to their signature style is also more illuminating in hindsight, as the group would semi-disband, or at least cease writing/recording following this release, with members branching off into other projects. While 2012's A.C.R. 1999 is often perceived as their 12th LP, that release was comprised of older recording sessions, making it technically a compilation and Feral Hymns their definitive swansong.
Review: Originally formed in Virginia before becoming rooted to the Washington D.C. scene, Dischord Records alumni Scream reformed in 2009 for a few small reunion shows before releasing the Complete Control Sessions EP in 2011; a live collection recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606, which then pushed the band to continue on a European tour. Reunions aside, there hasn't been a new release from the band in over 12 years, while it's been three solid decades since their last full-length Fumble. All of that is now finally set to change with the arrival of DC Special, the long-awaited, much anticipated sixth full-length from the hardcore pioneers. Recorded at the iconic Inner Ear Studio by Don Zientara and Ian Mackaye before its 2021 shuttering, and featuring a slew of guest contributions including the aforementioned Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, there's never been a more apt time to rediscover or take a first plunge into the cathartic realms of one of the most vital classic hardcore acts of a bygone era.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.