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Fugazi | The Argument

One of Fugazi's strongest efforts to date.
CD, Dischord/Konkurrent

Tekst: Bas Ickenroth

Publicatiedatum: 19 november 2001

Fugazi are one of those bands that have already become legendary during their existence. One of the reasons for this is their ongoing refusal to participate in "normal" musical business and to make the do-it-yourself attitude as important as can be. Besides having complete independence with everything from covers up to album distribution, they've also managed to create a totally new post-punk sound from the late 80 on, until this very day. Over the years, that sound has become a little less edgy and more melodic, but the music is still as acerbic and original-sounding as back then. On 'The Argument', their seventh album to date, things tend to get more melodic than ever. They even present harmony vocals in some parts, and they succeed in making them credible. Because, no matter how melodic or quiet 'The Argument' is in Fugazi terms, it always sounds sincere and real. And they still have that eagerness, that internal need to present their music as if they still have to prove themselves. This attitude is what makes the music so special: That eagerness sounds through in every note they play, and it ensures that the album captivates you from the start and never lets go. There are a few big stand-outs on 'The Argument', and they deserve to be mentioned seperately. First, there is fierce punk rock attack in 'Full Disclosure' that suddenly surprises with a full-on harmony vocal by all three singers. 'Epic Problem' is not a problem at all, but a driving post-punk song that gains some serious force by the double drumming from Brendan Canty and Jerry Busher, and after two minutes the song suddenly becomes much more melodic without losing any of the power of before. An absolutely stunning track, which can be said as well for 'Ex-Spectator', also with that energetic double drumming. But on this album, Fugazi are at their strongest when they don't release the tension. On beautiful songs like 'The Kill' and 'Strangelight', Fugazi are more melodic and quiet than ever, and these may be some of the best moments in the entire band's career. And although Ian MacKaye, Joe Lally, and Guy Picciotto aren't born singers, their vocals tend to get better every time you hear them, and they more than deliver on the melodic parts as well. For fans of the old Fugazi style, they've released an EP called 'Furniture', with three old, unreleased songs, and that should make those old fans happy. However, 'The Argument' makes it clear that Fugazi are further now, and in my opinion the new, more melodic sound suits them even better. And although, just like any Fugazi record, it takes a while before you truly get into the music, after numerous listening sessions one can only conclude that 'The Argument' is one of Fugazi's strongest efforts to date.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/fugazi/the-argument/960/
Meer Fugazi op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/fugazi