Fugazi - Margin Walker

150-gram LP
NO digital copy included


Audio Quality: 4/5
Song Quality: 4.25/5
Packaging: 4/5


Some bands are so ahead of their time it seems impossible. Forgive me for echoing an analogy I already used on Built To Spill, but I am so envious of a fan of modern punk/hardcore hearing Fugazi for the first time. What an eye-opening music lesson that must be. What I love most about Fugazi is how undeniably punk rock their music is without following ANY of the stereotypical rules of the genre. Their playing is groove oriented, their performances are sophisticated and technical, and some songs are downright slow. Hardly characteristics you'd lump in with punk bands, but I'd challenge anyone to dare question the true punk spirit that oozes from Fugazi's music, not to mention their personal attitudes and artistic integrity. They've influenced countless bands that have followed, and tragically I'd wager many of those bands wouldn't even know how to pronounce Fugazi. It's "foo-ga-zee," by the way. So, to conclude this introduction, if you consider yourself a fan of punk, hardcore, or even "emo," whatever that means nowadays, do yourself a favor and pick up some Fugazi records. Then look at the date printed on the back, and recognize that you are in the presence of the masters.

I had never heard this particular batch of songs before I listened for this review. Well, I had, but only once or twice, within the context of their compilation CD 13 Songs. That album compiled their first two EPs (Fugazi and Margin Walker) onto a single album, but that's not the same as hearing the EPs separately in their originally intended form. Not to mention the fact that I hadn't heard any of these songs on vinyl, so as far as I'm concerned, it was a fully new experience for me. The songs are all very good, and it's a wonderfully concise musical statement. It's immediately got all the elements of a Fugazi record, though it's a bit more straightforward than some of thier later releases, such as Steady Diet of Nothing and Red Medicine, which I tend to prefer. Half the songs are way fast and aggressive, such as "Margin Walker," "Burning Too," and "Lockdown," and they are clear examples of Fugazi's punk influences. On the other hand, "And The Same," "Provisional," and "Promises" go in a different sort of direction. They feel equally aggressive and intense, but now at trudging tempos and with minimalist arrangements. For me, these tracks are the most compelling, and they're the best glimpse at what Fugazi would go on to achieve in later records. But really, all six songs are great.

Sound is good, but playback is a bit hot right out of the package. Interestingly, I noticed far more of this issue on Side A than Side B. This could be a mastering issue, but I think it's more likely that the record just needs a few plays to calm down, as the sort of high-end harshness it contains is much more reminiscent of Belle & Sebastian than Fall Out Boy. Either that or it just can't be played too loudly, which would be a bit of a bummer. I'll get back to you on that. Other than this issue, there's not much to complain about. It's a raw and rough EP, and the sound suits it perfectly. At times I might have wanted a bit more presence in the drums and bass, but that's it. The guitars are clear and aggressive and the vocals sit within the instrumental mix rather than on top, which adds to the edginess and character of the recording. Once again, this is not a pristine mix, but its noisiness and roughness is a welcome compliment to the music.

Super basic packaging. The record is in a printed sleeve with lyrics on one side and a single black-and-white photograph of the band on the other, and it sits in a slipcase package. No digital download or CD, which as you know by now, is a big requirement for me. However, I'll let it slide based on the fact that this record retails for $10 or less. Oh, and it's not 180-gram vinyl. I think it's 150-gram, but as usual, when it's less than 180-gram, it's hard to find out the specific weight.

As you may know, Fugazi guitarist / vocalist Ian MacKaye is also co-founder and co-owner of Dischord Records, based out of Washington D.C., who have released all of Fugazi's albums. The label and the band have an intensely DIY ethic and a commitment to what they consider moral treatment of their fans. This includes selling their music at astonishingly low prices. For this alone, the band should be applauded. The fact that they make great, important music just makes it even sweeter.

Buy the LP at InSound.com
Buy the LP at Interpunk.com

Tomorrow: Metallica - Ride The Lightning (45rpm Double LP Reissue)