Coriky＜Colored Vinyl＞

Its clear the world wants more Fugazi, whether the four members of the iconic Washington, D.C. band (whove been on hiatus since 2003) are prepared to deliver or not. They appear to be predictably not concerned with the notion of supply and demand, though it seems theyre just enough aware of this that theyre bending ever so slightly to the will of their fans. In 2018, the Fugazi rhythm section (bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty) debuted a new instrumental group, the Messthetics, with guitarist Anthony Pirog, delivering music that had little to do with Fugazis sociopolitical outlook or dynamics, yet was very much in line with their sense of adventure and precise attack. Now Ian MacKaye, if not Fugazis leader than certainly their first among equals, has introduced a new band, Coriky, with MacKaye on guitar, Lally on bass, Amy Farina on drums, and all three on vocals. The self-titled 2020 debut from Coriky bears a much closer resemblance to Fugazis approach than the Messthetics, which makes sense, what with the latter bands guitarist, main vocalist, and principal songwriter on board. At the same time, it also falls in line with MacKayes work in the Evens, his low-key baritone guitar-and-drums duo with Farina who brought out three albums between 2005 and 2012. The vocal blend and the intensity not dependent on volume are clear throwbacks to the Evens best music, as well as the lyrical stance that examines big issues through the lens of the lives of people living under their shadow. Describing Coriky as half Fugazi and half Evens isnt exactly wrong; however, it oversimplifies what this trio is doing. Lallys bass gives this music a stronger backbone than the Evens just as much as MacKayes return to the liberating noise of the electric guitar (though he uses it discerningly), and Farinas drumming has become stronger and more assertive, powerful, and propulsive even when the volume is low. MacKaye isnt the ranter he once was, but even when he speaks quietly on Clean Kill, Inauguration Day, or Have a Cup of Tea, his passion and laser-tight focus on injustice hasnt dimmed in the least, and these songs are compelling and intelligent, smart and challenging without looking down on his audience. Whether or not Coriky turns out to be MacKayes next major project or a short-lived experiment like Embrace or Egg Hunt, this album is mature in the best ways without dimming its sense of purpose, and it presents three major talents in full command of their gifts and their ideals. ~ Mark Deming