Originally published in Verbicide issue #5

Fugazi’s most recent release is typical of the band, exciting and unique.  The classic sound is immersed in the underground culture, as well as their tendency towards political issues matched with a deeply personal reaction.  The Argument is no different, and they continue to soothe and tantalize at the same time, harmonizing distressed guitars, outrageously complex percussion, and Ian’s one of a kind voice.  Not as groundbreaking as End Hits or Red Medicine, this album is a sign of the band’s historic presence: comfortable with themselves as musicians, confident in their talent, and urgent in their need to simply create.

(Dischord Records, 3819 Beecher Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007)