The Argument

Despite a clutch of classic releases, Fugazi are still better known for their defiant modus operandi rather than their inspirational music. Five dollar shows, ten dollar albums, no interviews with major publications, no dirtying their fingers with major corporations or hedonistic deviations from a puritanical lifestyle.

The Argument is a bristling, confident record from a band who still sound like they want to make a fantastic debut. Tunes of an impeccable calibre swarm in thick and fast – ‘Cashout’, ‘Full Disclosure’, ‘Epic Problem’ all packed with the essential ingredients that have always made Fugazi such a great band. Each is a fully-formed, delicate and highly melodic little web of rumbling bass lines and explosive choruses.

‘The Kill’ and ‘Strangelight’ suggest that Ian McKaye and company have expertly consumed and digested the expansive sound canvas of Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Mogwai through the idiosyncrasies of their own fabulous filter. The Argument is on par with Steady Diet Of Nothing, End Hits and all their best records. No gimmicks. No shtick. No sell out.