Fugazi
The thinking person's modern hardcore band, and Ian Mackaye's most permanent institution since his Minor Threat days. More so than Henry Rollins, and arguably Jello Biafra, Fugazi have continued and expanded on the arguments of their antecedents. Door prices are kept down, and they maintain a commitment to all-age shows which shames many bands. They have also been among the first to object publically to the ridiculous macho ritual of slam-dancing: ‘We're about challenging crowds, confronting ourselves and them with new ideas and if I was a teenager now, I would not be doing a dance that's been going on for ten years’. It is a shame that Fugazi's press seems to focus unerringly on MacKaye's Minor Threat connections, as the contribution from his co-lyricist Guy Picciotto (ex- Rites Of Spring) deserves to be ranked above that of supporting cast. His more abstract, less direct communiques blend well with his partner's realism. The other members of the band are Brendan Canty (drums) and Joe Lally (bass).