Washington DC
Orthrelm
All-Time Best Band: Fugazi
All-Time Best Solo Artist: Marvin Gaye
Best New Band: Orthrelm
FUGAZI’s facial disposition has slackened from militant pout to goofy smile over the course of their 18-year recording career (wait, have they broken up or what?) — and thank heavens. The best part about Fugazi has been their refusal to plateau, even if it means staying mum for a few years. Their DIY ethos gradually distorted into a far less interesting (and far spookier) mythos (some imagined irritable, ascetic vegans who had it in for their mosh pit). But even if you hate the strange turns their music took — from straight-ahead pissed-off post-hardcore on 1990’s Repeater to the brooding, political, but highly playful antics of 2001’s The Argument — they remain the fathers of the $5 all-ages show. Certainly that’s prop-worthy. | Thank the Lord that the Detroit Lions passed on MARVIN GAYE, because What’s Going On never would have went on, and our closest approximation of sexual healing would have come from Color Me Badd. We tremble. | There are more bands in DC than politicians — and the good ones don’t need anyone’s vote. Take ORTHRELM, who are just insanely brutal and beautiful and lacking mercy. DC’s music scene could use a game-changing grindforce like this — especially since the bands are still outnumbered by lawyers.
Video: Fugazi
Video: Marvin Gaye
Listen: Fugazi, "Waiting Room"
Listen: Marvin Gay, "Mercy Mercy Me"
Listen: Orthrelm, "Sceptor 9"
