Fugazi Concert Review

On June 1, Fugazi blew into town and surprised a lot of people. Fugazi is one of the best bands I have seen play since Ed Hall came up from Texas last winter. I consider myself sort of an outsider because I knew nothing of Ian Mackaye until after the show. That was probably best. I heard all these amazing things about Ian before the show, but it wasn’t until after they played that I recognized his picture on a Minor Threat EP. I’m glad now because I had no preconceived ideas about what I would see or hear. I had never heard of Fugazi at all before July 1. Leadfellow started out the show with a brilliant debut performance. I have always been a big Train of Thought fan, luckily Pat and Greg didn’t make any drastic changes in their musical taste. Draize Method came on next, with a powerful, high energy set that got the crowd on their feet. Draize method, in my opinion, is one of the best bands in town. House of Cards was the last of the local boyz to go on before Fugazi. I thought they sounded as good ever, but I could tell Aldine felt like they were off. Don’t let that fool you though, they are known for combining blues, jazz and funk. This unique style separates them as one of Salt Lake’s best underground bands.

I think a lot of people were surprised when Fugazi started playing. I am willing to bet that most of the people at the show were at that show because Ian was playing and not because it was Fugazi. That became evident when everybody just stood and watched a good portion of the show before they realized the music quality. Fugazi has a much different sound than most of the run-of-the-mill hardcore or edge bands. Semi-funky melodic bass lines, solid drums and relatively sporadic guitars that come and go. I definitely like Ian’s singing better in Fugazi than in Minor Threat, it is a shame he couldn’t leave the preaching with Minor Threat. The day after I saw them play I bought their self-titled seven song EP. I was sure when I bought it that it could no way be as good as the concert, needless to say I was surprised again. This record will certainly be one of the best albums I will buy this year. Pick one up at Raunch or Reptile, they are only five bucks, and it’s well worth it.