The name Fugazi stands for a bad combat or war situation. To sum that up, the letters stand for; "F*cked Up, Got Ambushed, Zipped In." The group said that they chose the name because of its unique qualities, and somewhat exotic qualities. Anyways, for those of you unfamiliar with Fugazi, they are a rock band that hails from Washington, D.C., formed in 1987. They are known to rarely to charge their audiences more than $5-10 at a live Fugazi show, and insist that their shows be open to all ages. All of Fugazi's album have been released through Dischord Records, owned by Ian MacKaye and former Minor Threat bandmate Jeff Nelson. Fugazi can be categorized under the genre's of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and indie rock. And their experimental sound has influenced many punk bands in the late 1980's to present.
Fugazi's Line-Up Is:
Brendan Canty - Drums
Joe Lally - Bass Guitar
Ian MacKaye - Guitar and Vocals
Guy Picciotto - Guitar and Vocals
"Steady Diet Of Nothing" being the only Fugazi album I own, I won't be doing any comparing with earlier or later releases. So here it goes.
To set the mood for "Steady Diet Of Nothing" will be the song "Exit Only." Right away there is a cool mellow bassline, with the guitar screeching in the background and nice calm drum beats. The first thing I noticed was how Ian MacKaye's vocals can almost be described as %50 calm and %50 scruffy if you will. But if fits the mood of the album so well, I wouldn't ask for it any other way. They made an excellent decision of putting "Exit Only" as the opener. Following close behind is the next song "Reclamation." Where MacKaye's vocals turned a bit of a 180. Using a deeper voice bit still pretty calm, singing as if he's simple just telling a story. Once again calming bassline and drum beats. The guitars are what stands out in this song, riffing like noones business in the background. What caught me off guard though is at the end MacKaye scream "Carry my body!" Repeatedly. Doesnt hurt this song at all, MacKaye and the whole Fugazi band has been known for the occasional spontaneous actions. That is a good example of one.
Next will be the song "Nice New Outfit." This song having a more of an up-beat feel to it. Guitars are louder and the bass is harder to hear at times, but is still there of course. Drums are beating as if they are coming from an Indian tribal dance or something like that. Anyways this song is simple about someones "Nice New Outfit." Kind of humerous, but shows that Fugazi also has a dangerous side if you read through the lyrics. The main line goes; "In your nice new outfit, all straight clean line. There's blood in your mouth, dressed to the nines." Once again there is nothing dissapointing about MacKaye vocals in this song either. Following shortly after will be the song "Stacked." Stacked has to be one of my favorite songs off of this album. Of course there is the nice cool mellow guitar and bass, drum lines. One thing that really makes this song special is the catchy-as-hell sing along that this song gives out. Where MacKaye sings out loud "Language keeps me locked and repeated." This never fails to stay stuck in my head after listening. Definitely a highlight of the album, and sadly it ends with a short note of 3:08. I wouldn't mind to have a couple extra minutes added onto it.
Skipping onto the track know as "Steady Diet." This song starts off with the definition of Fugazi's mellow side, but the boots on up to their harder side after about a minute, no vocals yet. There is really nothing super special about this song, its just catchy as hell. If you want to explore Fugazi's musicianship this song is the place to go.
Now for the almighty, but short song "Long Division." MacKaye almost sings in a saddened voice in this track. Mellow instruments all the way through, and same with the vocals. Chances are is that you will either love or hate this track. I personally love it, there is nothing special about it. It would just make a great track on a depressing rainy day if you get my drift. The song only lasts 2:12, with I think is the perfect amount of time it should get. If "Long Division" almost made you fall asleep, then the next track "Runaway Return" should wake you right up. A U-Turn from "Long Division." This song once again very up-beat and so is the vocals. Some may think that Fugazi's lyrics are pointless, some pay think that Fugazi's lyrics are simple just....Fugazi's lyrics. I dont think that their is a word to describe them. In the song "Runaway Return." The main sing along chorus goes "Out of the ashtray, into the ashtray, out of the ashtray. There's nothing living, there's nothing given, weekender's vision turns to working shoes." Once again lyrics that don't fail to be stuck in my head after listening. The next song "Polish" can be paired up with "Runaway Return." Both very upbeat, and has the sing-a-long choruses. They made a wise desicion of placing these two song right next to eachother. They almost blend right in with eachother.
Skipping to the ending track that goes by the name of "KYEO." The guitar and bass correspond with eachother brilliantly in the song. The drums back it up with grace. Although most end tracks are soft, and like a bid farewell to all their fans, this is a bit different. "KYEO" is probably the hardest song on the whole album. MacKaye actually does a sample scream here and there. Which is surprisingly quite pleasent.
This is an essential album for any true Fugazi fan.
Pros: Vocals, and all instruments. Tracks are placed well.
Cons: Lyrics are hit or miss, songs could be a bit longer, only 11 tracks.
What Are The Fugazi Guys Doing Now?
Fugazi are currently on what some people can consider a long-term break, and may or may not reunite in the future. But in the meantime, the band mates are undertaking side-projects, Ian MacKaye is currently forming the band "The Evens." And Brendan Canty doing some soundtrack parts and playing bass guitar in the band "Garland Of Hour." Joe Lally has appeared on fellow D.C. locals "Decahedron's" debut album Disconnection Imminent. He also finished his first solo album, "There To Here." And is playing in shows under his name. Guy Picciotto currently works as a record producer.
