Label enthusiasts call it Emo-Core, which means a more emotional Hard Core. The sound of this group formed in Washington DC back in 1988, evolved through 10 albums, is intense and colorful. It ranges from Minor Threat to Embrace (not to be confused with the UK ones), from Jimi Hendrix to Ted Nugent. The overall sound is dark enough that it feels like the bass on the stereo has been messed with, but that was the case with the excellent "In On The Killtaker" as well. I definitely highlight "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, so raw is the sound. The second song on the album titled "Cashout" starts, after a curious untitled intro, like something from the Smashing Pumpkins in the "Gish" era. Good work from Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto. However, I preferred "Red Medicine" from 1995.
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.
"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."
"The title track could not have ended the album better, with a choked scream from MacKaye putting an end to a perfect story."