Dischord US Vinilo y CD

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: Made up of seasoned veterans of the Washington D.C. scene, and fronted by Chris MacKaye (younger brother of Fugazi and Minor Threat mastermind, Ian, as well as the bowed head that adorns the latter's iconic album cover), Hammered Hulls are set to unveil their highly anticipated debut full-length, 'Careening'. Released through legendary MacKaye founded label, Dischord; the project is likely to be the final work recorded and mixed at famed studio, Inner Ear, which shut down at the end of last year. Engineered by studio owner Don Zientara, produced by Ian MacKaye, and sporting an overwhelming essay of praise from Rites Of Spring and Fugazi alumni, Guy Picciotto; it's hard to shake the sense of the punk stars aligning to offer a unique, timely project crafted by the hands that laid the integral foundations over four decades ago.

Review: The Messthetics is a new instrumental trio project formed of Fugazi rhythm section Brendan Canty and Joe Lally, and Washington DC based experimental guitarist Anthony Pirog. This self-titled debut was put together from live sessions recorded at Canty's rehearsal space throughout last year, with very little overdubbing. The coupling of exploratory jazz-based experimentation with the bristling post-punk sensibilities makes for a consistently interesting listen throughout. Lead single 'Serpent Tongue' highlights this musical duality, written in unusual time signatures but underpinned by fuzz-drenched power chords and relentless bassline. The first full-length featuring Canty and Lally since Fugazi's hiatus in 2002, 'The Messthetics' is an aspirational debut from this new venture, and a must-listen for any fans of the aforementioned band's off-kilter punk sound and Pirog's rich and textural guitar work.