Minor Threat were at the centre of the DIY Hardcore Punk scene, and their co-founders Ian McKay and Y, set up Dischord records at the same time, in order to take full ownership of the whole creative process. Their song Straight Edge off their debut EP also led to the founding of the anti-alcohol and drugs movement of the same name. Whilst not impressive in terms of actual record sales, it is the impact that the band had on the scene, leading directly to the founding of Fugazi, with Ian MacKaye a founding member of both.
One thing that I always appreciate is artwork that seeks to stand out - I have even been known to buy records solely on the basis of their artwork, and have rarely been disappointed. The cover here is stunningly simple, but all the more captivating because of that.
Betray is quite the statement of intent, with explosive drumming and some pretty flabby bass. The bass is stepped up a gear in It Follows, and there's a real shoutalong glee to the chorus. Think Again has a real dueling quality to the guitar, with an intensity to the sound, which is especially apparent on the bass and guitar section post the second chorus. Look, Back & Laugh has more of a chronology to it, focusing on the decline of a friendship. Musically it is more of a convas from which the vocals are delivered than the previous songs, were the brutal nature of the instruments cannot be ignored. Sob Story is slightly less successful with a less cohesive sound, and more muffled vocals. No reason has one of the best riffs on the album, with the guitar piercing through on the bridges, showing utter control at a great speed. Little Friend has some ear-catching moments, such as the synchronised pause and restart, and the rebuilding of momentum a couple of minutes in. Out of Step builds on the straight edge manifesto: "I don't smoke/I don't drink/I don't fuck/at least I can fucking think" and is comfortably the most interesting song lyrically on the album. Cashing In follows on directly from the previous track, with a post-modern, self-referential, and one hopes very tongue-in-cheek, take on how artists view their fans.
Overall the album is a short, sharp explosion of intensity, and whilst it doesn't always land, it is hard to ignore. There is an art-house intelligence to it that cuts through the simplicty of the heavily distorted guitars. I have always loved Fugazi for the variety and clever song-writing, and whilst this album doesn't have the delicacy to reach those levels, it is clear what an influence they had. I feel like it was important to listen to this particular genre from a breadth of understanding point of view, but I wouldn't say that this has made me a fervent Hardcore punk fan.
Chloe's album rating: 5
Chloe's favourite track: 3. Think Again
Olly's album rating: 6
Olly's favourite track: 8. Out of Step
Next week we have 997. Django Django by Django Django, our most up-to-date album yet.
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