Repeater

As Fugazi were - and still are - Pope-level amongst the après-hardcore cognoscenti, “Repeater” is an album I know well despite never divining what drove their fans to raptures. Today, mostly this evening, I’ve worked it out. The song structures are oratory: they’re built like speeches, asides, refrains, climaxes, prologues and wind-downs. The messages are abstract, the vibes assertive. As they are a rock band and not preachers or stage actors this translates to drama, pacing that keeps you on your feet, and passion that puts you dead-centre before the stage. MacKaye’s tough, thick guitar is pierced and entwined by Picciotto’s shrill, noisier playing, a combo that I now see mirrors Durango and Albini in Big Black. The rhythm section have the quality of a lively river, rapids follow repetition and burbling. I wish I’d seen them live. Decades on I remember these songs that I thought hadn’t stuck and I like them a great deal. Fugazi behaved impeccably during their existence. Cheap, all-ages shows, records priced with barely a margin, casually making available their bootleg archives, kind to their audiences, the kind of band that takes care of their own business without flash or fuss. Politically needed more than ever, by my reckoning. “Pope-like” has the wrong connotation, saints a better comparison to encompass the stubborn, the badass, the iconoclasts, those who bring progress by example, making new spaces.

There's probably something very skilled going on in the background but the vocals and general vibe is too generic metal-ish to hold my attention for long.

I rocked out a bit to this. But it was the same way that I enjoy warehouse shows and going to my friends' practice sessions. Good quality rock with hints of things I recognize from other artists that I love, but nothing that endeared me to this band and album in particular.

Fugazi – Repeater (1990) On Day 321, this foundational post-hardcore debut delivered a high-energy, surgically precise clinic in dynamic tension and rhythmic discipline. Rather than relying on standard punk velocity, the record drew immense power from its dub-inflected rhythm section and masterclass use of negative space, locking Brendan Canty’s intricate drum pocket with Joe Lally’s driving basslines. The tracklist shined through its balance of furious momentum and slow-burning intensity: "Turnover" set a brooding, coiled tone from the start, while the relentless drive of the title track "Repeater," "Sieve-Fisted Find," and "Styrofoam" demonstrated the band's razor-sharp stop-start mechanics. Meanwhile, the rhythmic showcase of "Brendan's #1" and the sprawling, feedback-drenched catharsis of "Shut the Door" proved that underground rock could be fiercely ideological while remaining deeply groovy and musically sophisticated. A commanding, vital classic. A strong 4/5.

Thanks! First listen to the band, great album.

Two Beats Off, Shut the Door, Song #1

I wanted to like it. I tried to like it. I didn’t like it.

Very noisy, one or two interesting tracks.

Certainly one of the most important (and best) post-hardcore bands ever, Fugazi brought their dual vocalist approach to the alternative mainstream with Repeater. By balancing Ian McKaye's abrasive hardcore style with Guy Piccioto's more melodic approach and a rhythm section that didn't just play along with the melody, Fugazi changed the course of popular music. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Refused, Quicksand, Thrice, Thursday, At The Drive-In, Jimmy Eat World, Blur, Elliott Smith, Rage Against the Machine, American Football, Blink-182, Modest Mouse, Russian Circles, Sunny Day Real Estate, Tool, Jack White, Sleater-Kinney, Linkin Park, Dashboard Confessional, OK Go, Rise Against, Johnny Marr, Silverchair, Biffy Clyro, Arcade Fire, Converge, the 1975, Bloc Party, Bon Iver, Lorde, and Paramore have all cited the band as an influence on their work, and that's a fraction of the list. Beyond that, Repeater had been called one of the best albums of the 1990s by Spin, Alternative Press, Pitchfork, Loudwire, and Kerrang, once again only a sampling. I think it's a brilliant record that has so many layers that each listen can offer up a new experience. They never had traditional mainstream success but it was on their terms, rejecting the music industry and selling millions of records and packing houses independently. Coolest band ever? They're in the discussion, that's for sure.

Fugazi is great, but trying to select a Fugazi album to put on this list has to be a tough job. They're all good, but there isn't one that stands out above the rest that's 'the one'. Song, yes, 'the one' is "Waiting Room", but album? Well, I suppose Repeater is a good choice for that. Listening to this again, it's pretty brilliant from start to finish, whether you include the "3 Songs" EP or not. Doesn't yet dabble in some experimentation like on later albums, its much more straight forward Fugaziness here. But still great. 4.5, rounding up.

Super solid. It's not the one I'd pick (Kill Taker or Red Medicine) but I think one's favorite Fugazi album us one's first Fugazi album

Taut and intense right out of the gate, Repeater slammed the door shut on 1980s materialism while expanding hardcore punk’s sonic palette. Joe Lally and Brendan Canty make for a potent and lithe rhythm section, and the band make a lot of hay with tension and release. A classic.

Saw a few of their $6 shows back in the day, but wish I enjoyed their music as much as I admire their ethical stance.

An album filled with anxiety toward Reagan-era and slightly post Reagan-era capitalism.

This is another one of those albums that was very important, but all the lessons from it have been integrated and used to better effect by other bands since.

The moment everything changed in Hardcore. No Helmet or Turnstile if this record never came out.

Fun punk. Def sounds like and for fans of the refused

Fun punkish album!

Not my favorite Fugazi album. Not sure why this was picked over other better examples of Fugazi.

Honestly, a little raucous for me today. A precursor to bands like Nirvana, at least their heavier stuff, I guess. If I was I the right mood for a bit of headbanging, I could enjoy this album I think and might have rounded up. Today it was rounded down. So, 2.5 went to 2.

It was ok. I didn't make notes whilst I was listening to it, and now I'm struggling to remember much about it other than it was quite grunge. 2

I thought I might like this more but it was pretty middle of the road for me.

These guys almost lost all punk cred when they actually learned to play their instruments - thankfully they never learned to sing

normally I put a lot of work into these, carefully consider the review score, debate with myself over a point up or down, listen to an album a few times to make sure fuck it I'm giving this one a four because I like the bass so much. dun dun dun dun dun dun dun

Nice mix of off-kilter music and punk aggression. One of the more enjoyable albums on the list for me.

a highly influential album for a lot of artists i love

uh oh

Scratches an itch. When I have that itch.

A good band will either have a lot of technical skill or exude a lot of raw energy in their performance. A great band can do both at the same time. Fugazi is a great band.

I can see this growing on me. Have always been familiar with the name Fugazi, but really had no idea what they did. Will continue to listen, but I think I like it.

Potent and muscular punk album, though not void of instrumental expertise. (Sorry for the corporate slang, just got off drafting a cover letter myself)

felt a little underwhelming compared to bands like system of a down

This album started off really promising with the track 'Turnover.' I found it to be an exciting album opener and great introduction to Fugazi's sound. Despite this, as the project went on, the songs started to bleed into one another, and the album became more and more tiresome. I commend Fugazi for the dynamic punk sound they establish on this record, the lack of variety makes 'Repeater' relatively unenjoyable overall.

Works better as either an instrumental album or with an actual singer. I know that’s part of the punk vibe, but so is an intentional lack of instrumentalism, and these dudes can play. I wanted to like it more than I did. Would rather listen to Rage.

I feel like based on my musical tastes all the elements are here that should make me like this more, but somehow something is just missing. I don't get what about whatever genre you call this doesn't connect with me. Maybe part of this project is figuring that out. I'll let you know when I have the answer. I enjoyed the bass lines the most and I'm someone who usually doesn't pay much attention to bass.

Twas alright

Pretty good easy to listen to punk. I don't like some punk due to the noisy nonsense sort of nature of it but this is pretty good. The music an lyrics work together to form a nice album. Might not be something I would listen to very often but I enjoyed this one time.

I'm On The Kill Taker or Red Medicine should be here. Those would be 5s from me. 4/5

Super solid punk album. I'll go back to this. I think I've heard them before, but can't really remember. 4/5

nothing amazing.

Love the evolution that created this album, this feels like the truest post-punk from the US that didn't feel influenced by it's british counterpart. The guitar riffs are much more intentional, linger much longer, lets the bass move around, yet they maintain the mostly punk feel, together with the interchanging vocalists also with contrasting styles. I liked the music of the Piccioto sung tracks, but preffered the MacKaye shouty punk vocals much more.

Stu - whaaaat !?!? WOW! didn't know it was thanks to Todd R for the NY Dolls!!! On to Fugazi - this album kicks ASS & then kicks it again. The musicality, the exploration/experimentation, the tempo changes - some tracks seem like they are 3 songs in 1 I LOVE it!!!! Such clever fearless music making. Shut the Door, Brendan, oh forget it - so many great ones

A couple of really great tracks. Love their energy and edge. I grew up on 13 songs which set a high bar. This album doesn’t hit it but still this is a high octane hard driving band. Love them.

They are like static: a constant, vibration. A static that creates a continuous tension that self generates. It's a never ending loop of energy.

The clock just blinks 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 . I'm a little dazed. I think it's daytime but my mind and vision are a little hazy. Glasses. Where are my glasses. Always. Uh where's was...Tuesday right? Or Wednesday? What day is it? I mean whatever bolt of lighting struck the house has thrown me for a loop. Half blind and befuddled. I definitely gonna need a nap after this resolves. This will resolve right? I mean it can't just go on like that and never let me - you know - let it all hang out. You know - get loose? No "hands on the air like I just don't care?" Hmm. ok. Maybe next time? It's good shit though. Really good. Like really good. Have you seen my glasses?

This is... fine? Technically great, sure, but devoid of ideas that catch my interest. The songs just... are there? At times I couldn't tell if I heard that song before, if it was even a new song or if I accidentaly activated shuffl in the midst of my playthrough. I like Fugazi's energy, there is some punk in here of course accompanied by vocals that are at least fine. It just doesn't work as a package for me. The only songs that I might keep in my library are the title-track and Merchandise, but even with these two I'm not sure if I will ever actively listen to them again or just delete them from my playlist after skipping them a few times.

Solid album, the title track is a long time fav. Not quite good enough to make into regular rotation though

So many good basslines on this album. You are not what you own. 5/5

pretty fun listen. i love that tone

Got really into this album as a kid and whilst I don’t love it quite as much now it makes me want to listen to more of their albums. Also blueprint is an absolute banger

Day1015 - i keep trying to get into and understand the love for fugazzi. hasn’t clicked yet

I was really hoping there would be some Fugazi in this book - omitting them would be a crime! I've loved this album for a long time, although I think 13 songs is better (not sure why that doesn't qualify as their debut). As a teenager, I listened to a good bit of classic punk (The Ramones, Sep Pistols, The Clash, etc.), but always found it a bit boring, lacking something. What it was lacking for me, I realize now, was mainly melody. The Clash were more interesting to me, because they blended other genres into their music after the first (boring, IMO) album. I also was pretty big into Green Day, but grew out of them fairly quickly when I got to college age. I think I discovered Fugazi around that time, but didn’t fully get into them until a few years later. This album was an eye opener for me, and turned me on to a whole lot of other hard-core and post hard-core. Still listen to it a lot today, and often reminds me of cycling to and from work in Galway. I love the guitar, and groovy bass and drums. The singing takes a bit of getting used too, and some of the lyrics are a bit sloganistic, but I don't mind.

I was really expecting to enjoy this and I'm disappointed that I didn't. It's high energy punk but it's directionless and devoid of musical ideas. The guitars are overproduced and disappear in the mix and the songs sound like they were written to a formula. I'm sad.

It definitely hits that straight edge sweet spot. Not really punk or hardcore. They have a lot to say, but don’t really say anything. Tons of charisma and dirty grooves.

It's Fugazi. I never have liked this as much as I like others in their catalog. It never ceases to blow my mind the about face Ian pulled post Minor Threat. This is a 5 star album for so many reasons even if (right or wrong) it's not even one of their best.

4 - BAD

It was a good album but I didn't have time to make good notes or listen closely

Every day this list confuses me. This isn't must-hear-music. This is music for an angry kid in 1990. It's garage rock. Nothing on this album would compel me to give it a second listen. I am amazed by the listener counts on Spotify. Every song has well over a million listens. "Blueprint" (the only accessible tune) has over 8.6M and the awful title song has over 6.7M. So someone appreciates this music, it's just not me (and I love punk, hard rock, grunge, etc). I hear they're influential, ohhhkay. No hits, nothing even familiar, one trick pony, no real legacy that I'm aware of. 2 stars.

I’m not going to lie, the strain and artlessness of their voice is really hard to listen to. The instrumentals sound technically complex, but as a whole it never becomes something that is memorable enough to overcome the vocals. It’s telling that the instrumental “Brendan #1” is my favorite here. This is the easiest 1-star I’ve given so far.

This is actually pretty cool. One of the better discoveries from this list.

Underrated musicians. Their music is layered and gets unfairly ignored by some and over-idolized by others, but I love them regardless.

This is bad

Wszystkie moje współczesne TOP zespoły mają swoją muzykę na tym albumie. Viagra Boys, IDLES, Fontaines, to wszystko tutaj jest. Dlatego przytulam tę płytę blisko serca i zostawiam na długo.

Great turn up from 1001! I'm new to Fugazi - but guessing that they were an influence of many of the bands that I like that followed, so this was great straight off the bat :) Wasn't sure what to expect from the 1990s post punk description, but the tracks really groove and are really interesting - not just noise, but musically interesting and considered. First thing I notice is great bass lines and use of space in the guitars, lyrics/song writing cool with something to say. I haven't said anything about the drums... I usually notice that first - but tuning into that now, notice more the variation in the fills and licks. Changes of pace my kind of thing and not just driven by the drums, but the band as a whole. Shut the Door was last track on the original release and I found immediately haunting for simple darkness of the lyric. Also great play in pace - starts at 120BMP and slows right down to half speed. Love this. Others that got ticks on first listen included: 5: Blueprint and 8: Two Beats Off - both a slower groove. This one will definitely be a 'repeater' which makes it a 4. (Actually keeps going round and I can't get off the roundabout). Definitely gonna find the documentary.

Is this called Repeater because it's good enough that you want to put it on loop? I wouldn't be surprised!

sehr punkig

Not heard of Fugazi before. Will be listening to more. Sort of the link between US punk and grunge.

Eh

⭐⭐- Jag känner mig helt neutral till det här. Det är inte dåligt och det finns ju något här men det inget som får mig engagerad utan jag känner mig mest likgiltig. Mitt största problem är nog att det är för odynamsikt, det är samma tempo, samma instrumentering, sången är platt och jag tycker det saknas stand out tracks. Jag var aldrig en fan av 90-talets punkscen och det är ingenting som har ändrats för mig. Det får bli en svag 2a för jag kan inte ens hitta ett spår som står ut.

How is this the only Fugazi album on the list? This is my personal 3rd favorite of theirs (13 Songs and The Argument are ahead of it on my personal rankings), still 5/5

Quite well done and totally not my thing — which is the cleanest possible three verdict and the most honest one available. Ian MacKaye building something meaningfully more sophisticated than Minor Threat, the funk and dub elements giving the rhythm section a groove that hardcore rarely attempted, Joe Lally's bass doing real work underneath the aggression. The craft is genuine and the ethics that surrounded the whole enterprise were as serious as the music. None of which generates any pull toward return visits. A respectful three, delivered without ambiguity.

2/5

no

I like the backing music, especially the first couple of tracks (Turnover and Repeater) and Blueprint. The vocals are kind of punk shouting/chanting, which is less my thing. I can see how they're viewed as respected precursors to grunge.

Oh, all those bands I went to see at the Redmond Firehouse in High School were just other High Schoolers trying to be Fugazi. Maybe rounding up.

Because of their reputation as punk gods, I want to like this more than I do. But it just takes itself so seriously with no hooks to really catch your interest. Decent punk but not anything I think I'd go back to.

(3/7) I listened to it but don't remember a thing

I love Fugazi (but loved Minor Threat more) but I don't think the average person needs to hear more than one Fugazi album before they die, and the one I would have chosen is 13 Songs. This is very close to a 4-star album for me. Call it a 3.99.

433/1089 first track was cool, in the title track i can’t unhear “ribena” instead of “repeater” 😭 this album was decent, idk if i’ll return to anything here really but it was a good one to listen to as part of this project faves: Blueprint, Two Beats Off, Turnover 66/100

Did not really enjoy this album at all. At most a 2, but honestly probably a 1.5. It wasn't the worst thing ever, but wow it was not good.

What a band, cultivated one of the coolest punk sounds around and inspired a lot of what are my favourite emo/hardcore bands. A really unique outfit 4.8/5.0 Fugazi: Turnover

I dont mind it, it was a good enough listen but i still feel like im missing something

It'll all have been said already, but this album is a fucking masterpiece and it's rightly held up as a cornerstone on independence musical integrity and influence. **Chefs kiss

A Fugazi is a fake, a fraud, a knock off. And this collection of low talent morons are certainly that. By track 4 I was reaching for the skip button, and it got heavy use straight through to the end.

Like it 3/5

Tolle Band, tolles Album. Ich brauchte damals ein paar Anläufe, mittlerweile mag ich das sehr!

<3

Goes dummy at first with the opening few songs but then cools off. Repeater the song is sick

It was fine, just like any other 90s alternative/ indie lite album

hmm. ersti paar songs wirdi nonig voll schlau druus aber finds no cool well recht hässig aber au easy groovy. merchandise fangt saugeil aahh. ich han gad reeecht spass for real sie sind huere hässigi sausieche aber spieled au huere tight und sind glaub uhuere ume politisch. afoch moll SHE NOT BREATHIN schreie isch recht geil. ich bin krass nöch amne füfi emfall. es isch würkli durs band groovy hässig politisch ufglade zum teil witzig und tönt immer energieglade. hammer. VIAAAA

HOI LUCA ich han endlich mal denkt, dass ich ja würkli vode neuste albe zude ältere chan die albe abarbeite, denn hemmer chli meh über die aktuelle albe z rede fugazi kenni nur vom name her, mal luege de post-hardcore wo ich lose isch halt so de classic mitti 2000er emo post-hardcore, und die tönet halt so verschiede für das, dass sie s gliche genre spieled repeater macht na spass, s schlagzüg zieht recht mitem tempo uhhhh de ahfang vo blueprint gfalltmer mega die ruhigere moment (v.a. wiei d bassline?) erinneret mich amigs chli ah anderi metal/rock bands aber chans grad nöd sege, welli vlt chli the cult? bin zwüscheme 3 undeme 4i, grundsätzlich hets einigi cooli lieder und abgseh vom sänger, wo chli e dünni stimm het, findi d musig reecht cool und divers aber böö grad en brüller ischs au nöd okee bins momal am lose und macht scho spass

Грузит, но зашло. Какая-то особая лиричность в них есть.

This Ian guy sounds great. The album was ok. Hit and miss. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

Great bass and drums. The shouting is a bit less my thing.

really liked a lot of these instrumentals unfortunately i also found a lot of these vocal parts painfully grating and annoying, making this an absolute slog to get through no matter how good the rest of any given song was it sucks to just completely write off an album like this, but it really does just end up being a non starter for me basically ended up getting very little out of most of these songs but i can't comfortably give it a 1 because the instrumentals deserve so much more than whatever this is favourite song (s): brendan #1 (can only wonder why) least favourite song: repeater

Not my favorite Fugazi, but still slaps

a little to harsh for me sadly.

I dig it. Not one for political messaging within lyrics personally as I feel it can often detract from the music itself but Fugazi's messaging throughout this album is clear, they dislike systemic violance and consumerism, good! What I like to give attention to is the music itself and with punchy drums, urging shouts for vocals and bass-driven grooves, overall I think this a solid album with notes of Ramones and Beastie Boys among the tracks.

Fugazi is cool

Schreewerige rock muziek. Ik heb vrienden die er van zullen houden. Ik vind het verder prima en het zit goed in elkaar. De "zang" vind ik gewoon niet fijn. ***