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THE REVIEW
When, in 2001, Dischord released the seventh (yes, I consider 13 Songs an album) work of Fugazi, they didn't know it would be the last; or maybe they did. The fact is, we surely would have hoped for another one, and maybe even one more. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and now I find myself reviewing the last album of the legendary Washington DC band, still formed by the two guitar-vocalists Picciotto and MacKaye, bassist Lally, and drummer Canty. Additionally, the sound engineer Busher collaborates on percussion or a secondary drum set in some tracks.
The album opens with an intro of less than a minute that leads us to the first real track “Cashout,” a sufficiently calm piece that announces a fearsome one-two punch: “Full Disclosure” and “Epic Problem.” The first alternates a verse painfully sung by Picciotto with one of the most emotional and melodic choruses of all their production, culminating in the literally goosebump-inducing solo/interlude. The second features typical group breaks and concludes with a part, initially instrumental and then sung, which is probably one of the album's high points. The album slows down and tones down in the middle section, notable “The Kill” where Joe Lally takes the vocal spotlight. Towards the end of the album, we find more masterpieces: “Ex-spectator” manages to create a unique atmosphere with both guitars pounding during the chorus, making listening to the track a challenge to remain still while MacKaye strains to keep up with the imposing rhythm section supported by Canty’s percussion and sound engineer Busher. “Nightshop” offers us the last song sung by Picciotto’s falsetto, with a unique interlude, among clean and distorted guitars.
Probably this is the album I would let someone listen to first if they wanted to dive into Fugazi’s work, it is very melodic and less "difficult" than many other works, yet staying on par with previous masterpieces, without dropping in tone.
As the album concludes, we hear the title track that could not have ended the album better, with a choked scream from MacKaye putting an end to a perfect story, which began with him stating “I'm a patient boy” accompanied by all of us shouting “I wait” four times, and reaching the epilogue with the yet another masterpiece from one of the greatest bands in history.
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Summary by Bot
Fugazi's 2001 album The Argument stands as a compelling final work from the legendary Washington DC band. Featuring emotional vocals, powerful rhythms, and standout tracks like 'Full Disclosure' and 'Epic Problem,' the album blends melodic and intense elements. It serves as an accessible entry point to Fugazi's oeuvre, maintaining their high standards without losing their edge. The review praises the album's emotional depth and cohesion as a perfect conclusion to their catalog.
Fugazi
Fugazi are an American band from Washington, D.C., formed in 1987, widely regarded as a landmark post-hardcore group noted for DIY principles and independence from major labels. The core lineup is Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally, and Brendan Canty.19 Reviews
Other reviews
By Rivo
Label enthusiasts call it Emo-Core, which means a more emotional Hard Core.
Life And Limb, which reminds me of the best of Sonic Youth’s Dirty and the supreme Strangelight, a melodic song that almost sounds like a demo.
By Funeral For A Friend
Classifying Fugazi would be a crime, and secondly an offense to them.
'Epic Problem' is the most beautiful song of the entire album, a crescendo of guitars reminiscent of the Fugazi of the past.
