Dischord

This is genius. This is a revolution, of both thought and sound. The Nation of Ulysses is unmatchable by any band ever; they have created a dialectic, a movement, and a youthful assault on the mind and senses. Like Greek to a Caucasian child, most will never understand even partially the spirit that lurks in these movements, for it's about something higher than mere music. A warped hybrid synthesis of trashy garage rock, spastic jazz, and creative freedoms. Languages created and swallowed amidst the words and discordant melodies. Full of fervor, anger, wit, and remorse. Solid spastic percussion, swirling distorted guitars, droning bass, and swollen horns. Rambling, exploding vocals spitting words of animosity and love, of rebellion and unity, of awakening and medicine. The Nation of Ulysses must prevail.

The legendary unreleased studio recordings from 1986 produced by Ian MacKaye! Formed after the breakup of Rites Of Spring by Edward Janney, Brendan Canty, Guy Picciotto, and ex-Faith guitarist Michael Hampton! Twelve massive songs of pure D.C. Revolution Summer. Only the cut Burning In The Undertow has ever been previously available (State of the Union comp)! Former members of Rites Of Spring, Faith, Happy-Go-Licky! Current members of Fugazi!

This 7" was the second release from the mighty Rites Of Spring, who, in 1984, helped redefine the punk rock scene in Washington, DC and the rest of the world, challenging the macho posturing that had become so prevalent and defying musical and stylistic rule. Out of print for years, this recording is set to once again see the light of day, a testament to the sound and attitude of the Revolution Summer bands of Dischord Records.

One of the first bands to be labeled emocore, Rites of Spring would seem to transcend all labels as their music cuts right through to the heart of universal human experience. Emotional? Yes -- check out the bitter memorial relived on "For Want Of," the pulse pounding moment-grab that is "Drink Deep," or the devoted searches for honesty and meaning explored on "End on End," "Theme," and really just about every track on the disc. Hardcore? Yes -- emerging from the D.C. scene, the music is pure focused energy, not a single note wasted. The band at times is fast and furious, at other times lush and evocative though always with a sense of drive and melody. Rites of Spring hint at some of the territory vocalist/guitarist Guy Picciotto and drummer Brendan Canty would later survey with Fugazi, but this band is much more than just a stepping stone. End on End, quite simply, is a testament to the rich possibilities of sincerity in music.

Recorded in 1982, this record holds up well, retaining the vibrancy, idealism and adrenaline that gave Scream the reputation as one of the best live punk bands to come out of the 80's. An early DC hardcore classic. This reissue LP is available on white vinyl.