Dag Nasty, oh where have you been? It has been over 10 years since Dag Nasty put out their last album. That album was "Four On The Floor" (Epitaph) and to most fans it was an utter disappointment. Before that record, they had not put anything out since 1988 with "Field Day" (Giant Records) and in 1987 with "Wig Out At Denko's" and in 1986 with the D.C. hardcore classic "Can I Say". (both on Dischord Records)
So who exactly is Dag Nasty? It has been such a long time that their music hasn't hit many ears. First off, they are from Washington D.C. and was one of the first bands on Dischord Records. They are considered a "classic" hardcore band in many eyes. Their album "Can I Say" is a hardcore fan must have and some of the songs have been covered off that album. AFI covered one of the songs. The original line-up for the "Can I Say" album was Brian Baker (guitar...also guitarist for Minor Threat and Bad Religion), Dave Smalley (vocals...he also has played guitar and sang in Down By Law, he was also in D.Y.S. and ALL), Roger Marbury (Bass) and Colin Sears (drums). So there is a lot of history and experience in this band. The original line up is back together and they put out their new album "Minority of One". It's rare enough for old bands to get back together but to get back together and put out a decent album?
Well, it is possible and Dag Nasty has proved it. I honestly didn't want to give this album a chance. I was so disappointed with "Four on the Floor". I couldn't help but cringe when I heard that Dag Nasty was going to release a new album. I was so wrong in my assumptions that this would be a repeat of their last effort. They have re-grouped and gone back to what they used to do. Good and fast hardcore punk rock. The production of this album is top notch. They went back to the studio where they recorded their first 2 albums (Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Va) and recorded "Minority of One".
The lyrics are great as well. They have really matured over the years but are still raw. I love Dave Smalley's voice. He is a perfect fit in this style and with Brian Baker on guitar it comes full circle. The years in Bad Religion has made Baker's guitar work more technical and better than ever. If you combine the more poppy sound of "Wig Out At Denko's" and the harder style of "Can I Say" you basically have "Minority Of One". If you haven't heard either of those albums, check them out. They aren't out of print. You can still get them off of Dischord Records, vinyl and cd.
This is honestly one of my favorite albums this year. The production is great, which is a cornerstone to a good album but not always necessary. The songs are just good hardcore punk rock. They haven't done anything for 10 years but they still can do it all. It's Dag Nasty.
A-
