FUGAZI – FUGAZI EP (DISCHORD)
The first Fugazi record was a blocky post punk release deploying tinges of reggae as Ian Mackaye appeared hell bent of moving away from his hardcore roots. At this time Guy Picciotto was only featuring for the band on vocals so as a result the songs are dominated by Mackaye’s wooden block Gibson all the way.
The seven-song affair opens with “Waiting Room” which over the years has come to represent THE Fugazi song for much of their audience striving to relive the Minor Threat days. It is a powerful track that really emphasises the talents of the band’s rhythm section, especially the intricate playing of Joe Lally on bass. Very dubby and very effective.
Early Fugazi in many ways holds more in common than the sound they eventually arrived at. These are brute forces of nature in song form, explicitly addressing social issues and causes in a manner that thankfully is not stifling or choking to the music. As far as balance goes Fugazi have always managed to strike and maintain one that is both fan friendly and true to their art. In an era where chest beating liberals (as well intentioned as they are) have proved somewhat of an embarrassment for the longest time Fugazi felt like the gang it was cool to be in and often the unit that you could/would sensibly model yourselves on.
With their first collection of songs there is plenty to grasp hold of. Once “Waiting Room” is out of the way “Bulldog Front” drops in like some kind alpha epiphany, an explicit passage arriving at clarity.
As “Burning” drops in there is a real air of menace with Guy leading the line vocally and the band imposing like Jaws heading from the distance. Here is the first time I can recall Mackaye exhibiting that wonderful way in which he seems able to keep his guitar sound hanging in the air like a bomber dropping napalm. The shonky sound that then follows physically displays the mindset of an individual at odds with modern society with its selfish inclinations and nasty demonstrations.
From here “Give Me The Cure” exhibits a swarming echo by way of guitar. Its sentiments may feel slightly immature but the playing remains magnificent.
To this day “Suggestion” remains one of the most menacing tracks in the Fugazi cannon raining out masculine concern and identity crisis. They’re just so damn politically correct.
Over time Fugazi may have eclipsed these songs but even now they remain stronger that most items of the genre.
Thesaurus moment: commence.
Fugazi
Fugazi interview
Fugazi live
Dischord Records
The first Fugazi record was a blocky post punk release deploying tinges of reggae as Ian Mackaye appeared hell bent of moving away from his hardcore roots. At this time Guy Picciotto was only featuring for the band on vocals so as a result the songs are dominated by Mackaye’s wooden block Gibson all the way.
The seven-song affair opens with “Waiting Room” which over the years has come to represent THE Fugazi song for much of their audience striving to relive the Minor Threat days. It is a powerful track that really emphasises the talents of the band’s rhythm section, especially the intricate playing of Joe Lally on bass. Very dubby and very effective.
Early Fugazi in many ways holds more in common than the sound they eventually arrived at. These are brute forces of nature in song form, explicitly addressing social issues and causes in a manner that thankfully is not stifling or choking to the music. As far as balance goes Fugazi have always managed to strike and maintain one that is both fan friendly and true to their art. In an era where chest beating liberals (as well intentioned as they are) have proved somewhat of an embarrassment for the longest time Fugazi felt like the gang it was cool to be in and often the unit that you could/would sensibly model yourselves on.
With their first collection of songs there is plenty to grasp hold of. Once “Waiting Room” is out of the way “Bulldog Front” drops in like some kind alpha epiphany, an explicit passage arriving at clarity.
As “Burning” drops in there is a real air of menace with Guy leading the line vocally and the band imposing like Jaws heading from the distance. Here is the first time I can recall Mackaye exhibiting that wonderful way in which he seems able to keep his guitar sound hanging in the air like a bomber dropping napalm. The shonky sound that then follows physically displays the mindset of an individual at odds with modern society with its selfish inclinations and nasty demonstrations.
From here “Give Me The Cure” exhibits a swarming echo by way of guitar. Its sentiments may feel slightly immature but the playing remains magnificent.
To this day “Suggestion” remains one of the most menacing tracks in the Fugazi cannon raining out masculine concern and identity crisis. They’re just so damn politically correct.
Over time Fugazi may have eclipsed these songs but even now they remain stronger that most items of the genre.
Thesaurus moment: commence.
Fugazi
Fugazi interview
Fugazi live
Dischord Records
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