Name: Red Medicine
Brand: Fugazi

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

DIS90V

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-07-07

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

718751799011

Total Cap

Red LP

Artist

Fugazi

Genre GB

Punk / Hardcore

Label GB

Dischord

Dischord Records is an independent record label based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1980 by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson, Dischord has been a pioneering force in the punk and alternative music scene for over four decades. With a commitment to DIY ethics and artistic integrity, Dischord has released influential albums from bands such as Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Rites of Spring.

Known for its distinctive sound and uncompromising attitude, Dischord Records continues to support emerging artists who challenge conventions and push boundaries. The label's catalog spans various genres including punk rock, post-hardcore, emo, and indie rock. By championing artists with unique voices and perspectives, Dischord remains at the forefront of underground music culture.

As one of the longest-running independent labels in the United States, Dischord Records has maintained its commitment to artist ownership and control. With a focus on fostering long-term relationships with its roster of talented musicians, the label provides them with creative freedom while offering a platform for their work to reach a wider audience. Discover groundbreaking music that defies expectations on Dischord Records.

Fugazi is an American punk rock band that formed in Washington, D.C. in 1987. The band consists of guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. Known for their DIY ethic, unique business practices, and disdain for the music industry, Fugazi has left a lasting impact on the punk rock scene. Despite being on an indefinite break since 2003, their influential legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Retreating from the skinned-knee production values of In on the Kill Taker, Red Medicine packs more rhythmic punch and shows more range. With more drive and playful goings-on, the arrangements sound much looser than on Kill Taker, while remaining just as gut-kicking and brainy. The experimentation, which adds liveliness, doesn't sound measured. Even Joe Lally is allowed to sing, and it just happens to be one of the best songs on the record. Running against the theory that Fugazi is a pack of killjoys, numerous instances pop up where the band's twisted sense of humor is apparent. The sinister ha-has that open "Birthday Pony," the android sample in the pleasant (!) instrumental "Combination Lock," and random piano plinks all manage to find a welcome place. But the most uncharacteristic track is the "Blade Runner in Kingston" slo-mo instrumental "Version," featuring clarinet skronks, dubwise rhythm, incidental zaps, and - get this - no guitars. Picciotto declares in the immediately following "Target" that he hates the sound of guitars. What gives? It's clearly a rumination against corporate America's capitalization/bastardization of "punk" aesthetics. If anyone had the right to comment, it was Fugazi. "Back to Base" and "Downed City" (another dubby intro here) return to more standard issue, hardcore roots Fugazi, full of the soaring guitars that the band is most known for. Closing out the nearly flawless second side is yet another contemplative exit track, "Long Distance Runner." Acting as a daily affirmation of sorts to combat lethargy, MacKaye opines, "If I stop to catch my breath/I might catch a piece of death."

Red Medicine

Music GB

Buy Fugazi - Red Medicine (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.