Description
Faith – Subject To Change Plus First Demo – Vinyl Record
Faith’s Subject to Change Plus First Demo is a seminal release in the hardcore punk scene, particularly within the Washington, D.C. hardcore movement of the early 1980s. This album, released in 1991 by Dischord Records, compiles the band’s groundbreaking 1983 EP Subject to Change along with their first demo recordings from 1981. Faith was a crucial band in the development of the D.C. hardcore sound, known for their intense energy, thoughtful lyrics, and innovative approach that helped to lay the groundwork for the later emergence of the post-hardcore genre.
Faith was formed in Washington, D.C., in 1981, featuring members Alec MacKaye (vocals), Michael Hampton (guitar), Chris Bald (bass), and Ivor Hanson (drums). Alec MacKaye, the younger brother of Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame, brought a distinctive vocal style and lyrical depth to the band. Faith was closely associated with the D.C. hardcore scene, which was known for its DIY ethos, intense live shows, and socially conscious lyrics.
The band released their debut split LP with Void in 1982, which quickly became a classic in the hardcore genre. However, Subject to Change, their follow-up EP, marked a significant shift in their sound. The EP showed the band moving away from the raw, aggressive hardcore of their earlier work toward a more melodic and introspective style, foreshadowing the direction that many D.C. bands would take in the mid-to-late 1980s.
Subject to Change Plus First Demo showcases Faith’s evolution from their early, blistering hardcore sound to a more refined and experimental approach. The compilation provides a comprehensive look at the band’s short but impactful career, highlighting their contribution to the hardcore and post-hardcore scenes.
The first demo tracks from 1981 reflect the raw, fast-paced energy typical of early D.C. hardcore. These songs are characterized by their straightforward aggression, short song lengths, and politically charged lyrics. Tracks like “You’re X’d” and “Don’t Tell Me” are fast, furious, and embody the spirit of early 1980s hardcore.
The Subject to Change EP, originally released in 1983, represents a significant stylistic shift. The songs on this EP are more melodic and complex, with a greater emphasis on dynamics and emotional depth. Tracks like “Subject to Change” and “No Choice” still retain the intensity of hardcore but explore more nuanced themes and arrangements, laying the groundwork for what would later be recognized as post-hardcore.
Faith’s lyrics, particularly on the Subject to Change EP, delve into personal and introspective topics, moving away from the more overtly political and confrontational lyrics of their earlier work. Themes of alienation, self-reflection, and the search for meaning are prevalent, reflecting the band’s evolving outlook.
Key Tracks:
“Subject to Change”: The title track of the EP is a standout for its blend of melody and aggression. The song’s structure is more complex than typical hardcore songs of the time, with shifts in tempo and dynamics that add emotional weight to the lyrics.
“No Choice”: This track features a driving rhythm and a catchy yet intense chorus. The lyrics explore themes of inevitability and personal struggle, marking a departure from the more direct messages of early hardcore.
“Face to Face”: One of the demo tracks, “Face to Face” showcases the band’s early raw energy and confrontational style. It’s a fast, furious track that captures the essence of early D.C. hardcore.
“Another Victim”: Another demo track, “Another Victim” is a quintessential hardcore anthem with its rapid-fire delivery and defiant lyrics. It’s a track that embodies the straight-edge ethos that was prevalent in the D.C. scene at the time.
Subject to Change Plus First Demo is a vital document of Faith’s contribution to the hardcore and post-hardcore genres. The compilation not only highlights the band’s raw beginnings but also their evolution into a more thoughtful and musically adventurous group. This release is often cited as a significant influence on the development of post-hardcore, particularly in how it bridged the gap between the straightforward aggression of early hardcore and the more melodic, introspective sounds that would follow.
Faith disbanded in 1983, but their influence continued to resonate within the D.C. scene and beyond. The members went on to contribute to other important projects in the hardcore and punk scenes, further cementing their legacy.
For fans of hardcore punk, especially those interested in the D.C. scene, Subject to Change Plus First Demo is an essential listen. It captures a moment of transition in both the band’s career and the broader punk movement, offering a glimpse into the origins of a sound that would continue to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
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Track Listing
Subject To Change
Aware
Say No More
Limitations
No Choice
Untitled
Subject To Change
More Of The Same
Slowdown
First Demo 1981
You’re X’d
Don’t Tell Me
In The Black
In Control
It’s Time
Another Victim
Nightmare
Trapped
No Choice
Confusion
What’s Wrong With Me