Fugazi - The Argument

The Argument is a bracing reminder of Fugazi's confidence and passion, reflecting the experimental impulses of their previous two albums while further refining their songs and arrangements. It's certainly their most expansive album to date, with a supporting cast that includes Bridget Cross (Unrest, Air Miami), Kathi Wilcox (Bikini Kill), Amy Domingues (Ida), and roadie-soundman Jerry Busher. There's a pronounced pop element at work this time: the title track and "Life and Limb" are Fugazi's most subtle tracks yet, their taut guitar and whispery vocals creating a quiet tension. Even a song like "Full Disclosure," which begins with Guy Piciotto's feral howling, ends with lithe harmonies. Meanwhile, tunes like "Ex-Spectator" and "Epic Problem" expand their core attack without sacrificing an iota of its explosiveness. Brendan Canty's sinuous, rock-solid drumming is key in this regard, providing monster hooks even before the guitars come in. --Mike Appelstein Amazon.com

Worth the Wait.

I've been hearing about this band forever, and finally bought an album of theirs at random. This one rocks all the way through, and I think these guys deserve their reputation for breaking ground. Not a bad track on the whole album. December 13, 2007

Much respect

I fully respect Fugazi for moving forward musically, but this one was not my cup of tea. I liked all of Red Medicine, about then about half of End Hits.

Repeater was always my favorite. April 30, 2007

Moving, brillaint, beautiful, complex record

I give "The Argument" four stars because there is always room to grow, even though Fugazi expands their pallete with each recording. Never have they made the same record twice. It is perhaps the Fugazi swan song, and I think that it is a pretty sure (and sad) bet at this point that the band has called it quits, though nothing is official.
To put matters simply, they seem to take elements of each record that they have produced before "The Argument" and the result is a rich, textured, abraisive, melodic, and moving document. Raw and well-recorded, Don did another fantastic job at Inner Ear.
Some complain of the abraisive quality in Fugazi's music. I believe that this is part of their beauty---their ability to constantly take risks with their fearless musical visions. It is always funny when people tell me this and they enjoy the music of Sonic Youth, Glen Branca, Deerhoof, etc. While I am into all of these artists, there is something so unsettling about Fugazi. Their records are like the musical equivalents of cinema verite documentaries. They are not out to prove anything cosmic, just to expose what they are feeling at that particular moment in their lives.
I have nothing more to say that has not already been said. If it is indeed the end of the road for Fugazi, arguably one of the greatest punk (and rock) bands of all time, then they ended on a note so high that it is still being grappled with by music-lovers.
Side note: go see the members perform in their new groups. I have yet to see Joe Lally's solo project, but I was fortunate enough to the The Evens in a capacity 50 venue in Columbus. Ian was one of the most down-to-earth people that I have met. I am dying to see Brendan drum in the live incarnation of Bob Mould's new band as well because A. I worship Bob Mould and everything that he has done for this world musically and B. It is Brendan Canty! Incredible talent.

"It's time to harvest the crust from your eyes." Thank you gentlemen. Your music will continue to inspire me for the rest of my days. January 10, 2007

Inventive, genre-defying, purely brilliant.

Fugazi is one of my favorite types of bands, that being one who spits in the face of such tawdry things as "labels", or "genres". These guys take the rawness of punk and indie rock, and the complexity of jazz and prog, and strike a seemingly impossible balance between the two. This album is a wild roller coaster of layered complex rhythms, jarring time changes, loud, crashing walls of noise, and plaintive, tranquil melodies.

Nowhere is this diversity more evident than on "Nightshop" and "Ex-Spectator", both full of wild, unpredictable dynamics, all brought together seamlessly. Elsewhere, the band is ever dynamic, from loud punk anthems ("Full Disclosure", "Epic Problem"), to softer, ambient ballads ("Strangelight", "The Kill"). "Cashout" and "Life and Limb" are equally bizarre and catchy, with singable melodies superimposing odd, offbeat rhythms, once again showcasing this band's tremendous songwriting talent. Anybody can do all of these things, but to bring them together as they do is truly special.

Most bands that fall into the punk or indie genres are not well-known for their technical prowess, but Fugazi are undoubtedly an exception. The drumming is dizzyingly dynamic, going from wild and erratic to subtle and subdued, sounding completely natural either way. The guitar and bass are both raw and stylish (and "Ex-Spectator" even features some cool finger-tapping from both), and frontman Guy Piccioto is the perfect vocalist to match it all, going from hair-raising howls to Beatle-like choruses.

Simply put, Fugazi is one of the best rock bands there is, and a must for any music-lover. And better yet, the band works to keep the prices of their CD's low, so you have no excuse. Buy all their stuff. August 9, 2006

Fugazi sound like a f**ked up Offspring

Fugazi is so bad it hurts, I've never liked them because they can't sing and their music is just plain boring. These guys are so old its funny, whoever takes this band seriously is an idiot. August 4, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...