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Fugazi
is one of the few American bands around today that exists
on the edge of popularity but remain in the shadow of
obscurity. Not only that, but they're also one of the
few that manages to retain a completely unique sound.
"Repeater" was one of their first albums,
and this newer CD version has their exceptional EP "3
Songs" tacked onto the end for an extended sampling
of their powerful music.
Fugazi
is something that you've never quite heard anything
like before. Singers/guitarists Ian Mackaye and Guy
Picciotto complement each other perfectly with their
unique blend of melodies and chord bashing. The listener
also becomes aware of the fact that they each have a
distinct vocal style, as they switch off to sing various
tracks. Joe Lally is an exceptional bassist, and Brendan
Canty seems to play the most complicated arrangements
quite easily. All veterans of the DC hardcore scene,
the members manage to play punk-like material, but with
more seriousness and sophistication than any run-of-the-mill
hardcore band could ever manage.
Each
song on this this CD is great in one way or another.
Some tracks are outright grinding, like "Turnover",
which is a great opener, "Styrofoam", with
a vicious guitar attack in the chorus, and "Repeater"
which is based around an extremely catchy melody. There's
also a few great instrumental tracks, "Brendan
#1" and "Joe #1", which exhibit Fugazi's
excellent musicianship and interesting arrangements.
If
you're looking for hardcore punk, don't expect it from
these guys. While the band incorporates many punk elements
into their lifestyles and music, their sound is definitely
not as one-dimensional, and can't really be accurately
classified as anything in particular. As Fugazi continually
chooses to avoid anything having to do with the mainstream
media, you can still expect any one of their albums
to be great. They have more skill and experience than
any popular band today, and you can take pride in listening
to an excellent band that not many people know about.
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