Fugazi’s first demo from 1988. The band recorded these 11 tracks at Inner Ear Studio in the suburban basement of producer Don Zientara. There are little flubs here and there but the band keeps playing on. They would go on to distribute cassette copies of the demo at their shows and their fans would dub them to trade with their friends. Despite the fact that early versions of songs like “Waiting Room” and “Merchandise” were recorded at this session they would eventually pop up on different releases. First Demo provides some insight into Fugazi as the band was first coming together. There are loose takes of songs that would appear in more refined form on later releases. It’s evident that Fugazi were a force to be reckoned with even from the start.

• includes free download
• music label: Dischord Records 2014

reviewed by Hank Ohs 12/2014