Dischord US レコード& CD

Review: Originally released in 2005, Feral Hymns would serve as the 11th (and true final) full-length from Washington D.C. devout Dischord Records alumni Lungfish. Having released every album apart from their debut with Minor Threat/Fugazi visionary Ian MacKaye's label, they were easily one of the longest lasting on the roster when considering the longevity of their peers and labelmates in say Jawbox or Shudder To Think. Continuing their consistent aura of experimental first wave emo stripped down to caustic, murky minimalist compositions, the material sticks to their established formula but embittered by the passage of time, while the commitment to their signature style is also more illuminating in hindsight, as the group would semi-disband, or at least cease writing/recording following this release, with members branching off into other projects. While 2012's A.C.R. 1999 is often perceived as their 12th LP, that release was comprised of older recording sessions, making it technically a compilation and Feral Hymns their definitive swansong.

Review: Originally formed in Virginia before becoming rooted to the Washington D.C. scene, Dischord Records alumni Scream reformed in 2009 for a few small reunion shows before releasing the Complete Control Sessions EP in 2011; a live collection recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606, which then pushed the band to continue on a European tour. Reunions aside, there hasn't been a new release from the band in over 12 years, while it's been three solid decades since their last full-length Fumble. All of that is now finally set to change with the arrival of DC Special, the long-awaited, much anticipated sixth full-length from the hardcore pioneers. Recorded at the iconic Inner Ear Studio by Don Zientara and Ian Mackaye before its 2021 shuttering, and featuring a slew of guest contributions including the aforementioned Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters, there's never been a more apt time to rediscover or take a first plunge into the cathartic realms of one of the most vital classic hardcore acts of a bygone era.