Out of Step

So a little over a year ago, I talked about frontman Ian MacKaye in the context of his time with Fugazi. Now I get to talk about him again, this time with his other notable band, Minor Threat. They were a short-lived hardcore punk band that wound up being fundamental in the beginnings of straight edge, an abstinence movement started to avoid alcohol and drugs, though later expanded to other perceived vices like meat and sex. They put out a handful of EPs, including the one we're gonna talk about today, though other sources will argue it's a full-length record; I digress. Without further ado, let's get Out of Step.

Right out of the gate, I'm gonna say this right now - I very much adore this record. It's incredibly lean, tight, and well-played, with a level of refinement and nuance in the content that I can respect, even if the straight edge movement only comes into focus on the penultimate title track. I think what works in favor of this record is its universality. It's not linked to the specific politics of the day, instead infusing populism and relatability, balanced by brutal pragmatism and maturity. Take, for example, the opening song "Betray", where it seemed like Ian expected the double-cross, but instead of playing into the blame game, he confronts the issue and ends things. When that thread is continued with "It Follows," highlighting the drama that has stuck around within the scene, his raw exasperation becomes palpable. Hell, check out the closing track "Cashing In", where Ian focused his rage on those who thought Minor Threat in 1982 to "sell out", when in reality A) a lot of these complaints seemed rooted in local jealousy that really made little sense at the time, B) hardcore punk wasn't selling huge numbers in the 1980s anyway, and C) those complaining were still going to the shows anyway.

But what really helps is that Ian is fully aware that some of this may be his own fault. He knows something changed with those friends left behind on "Look Back and Laugh", and he hoped they could resolve things, but he's willing to own it if it's him. Later on "No Reason", he may hold that stubborn pride in the indecipherable conflict, but he does realize how immature and stupid it all seems. Then, when you pair that sentiment with how hardcore punk was looked down on for having "all been done before" on "Think Again", Ian may accept some of the blame, but he was sure as hell not going to take those who dump on the scene and give them an air of credibility. Now it does lead into the one slightly weaker track with "Sob Story", basically calling out someone whining about never getting that lucky break and telling them to pull their shit together, but it makes sense given how ruthlessly pragmatic this record feels, even if that can be an isolating feeling as noted on "Little Friend" and the title track. Speaking of which, boy, that title track hits particularly well in the context of straight edge, even if it's more of an acknowledgement of the confusion that, somehow, by not indulging, Ian can't keep up with the larger world, but at least he can still think, and for him, that's good enough.

Oh, and lest I forget, the music kicks ass all the way through! For a record running around twenty minutes, not a moment is spared as Minor Threat made the most of it: killer kick drum rhythms from Jeff Nelson, chugging, borderline thrash riffs from Brian Baker, and Lyle Peslar's lead guitar that may flex on solos but often opened these songs with a sweet melody that ensures the majority of these tunes had an anchor point. That sense of melody is not overlooked across the likes of "Think Again", "Cashing In", and "Look Back and Laugh", but there's also that jagged, rattling riff leading into "Little Friend", the breakneck kinetics between the chorus and verse on "It Follows", and the tonal shift on "Betray" that somehow still keeps it together. Though if I had to highlight someone in particular, it would be Steve Hansgen with his meaty basslines prevalent throughout the runtime, from punching up beneath the melody on "Betray" and "It Follows" to the surging energy given on "Think Again" and "No Reason", and even how he's anchored behind Ian's vocals on the title track.

Really, I found nothing to complain about here, as Out of Step is the kind of hardcore record deserving to be called a classic. It may be just over twenty minutes, but it did not waste a moment, with insanely catchy hooks, terrific playing, solid production, and writing that hit the balance between fervor and nuance. This record is absolutely essential to hear if you're into hardcore punk, straight edge, or otherwise.

Heard of the name a lot, but not actually heard. Early hardcore punk, which is probably a little noisy for me, but still on the liking it side.

In like a lion, out like a lion. A really fast lion. Album cover like a lamb. Running away from other lambs. To complete the bastardized saying.

I liked it well enough, though wasn’t exactly blown away. But given its impact, I think it’s deserving of a placement on the list, and it certainly didn’t overstay its welcome.

This was the kind of shit I loved when I was much younger. A blast from the past for me!

This is my kind of punk. Because ya know, as a middle aged mom, Ian McKay as a teenager is what sings to my heart.

Punk never wastes your time. 3.5

Either I'm not much into hardcore punk, or this album/EP just isn't that good.

I'm not a punk fan generally, and while this didn't totally change that, I will say it helped push me a little further towards punk enjoyment. I liked the first song or two, then kinda got bored. But there is actual some melody in some of the instrumentation here which is nice.

I love punk rock, and I hope punk rock loves me back.

This is so generic that it cannot be bad.

I love it!

I like that it wasn't an hour long. I might have been bored of it by the end. It might have gone a little too short to leave a real impression. I didn't dislike any song. It's a pretty good album.

Quick and straight to the point and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Nothing negative to say, 7/10

The definition of punk for me. Fast and loud as hell, Minor Threat (like all the best punks) knew when to end the song. And they give you something to think about.

BONUS: made in the early eighties, before "punk" became just a style of music anyone could emulate.

I remember seeing Minor Threat around this time. Really impressive live. It was astonishing to see them actually play this stuff. They took it seriously, the audience on the whole did not. And the band seemed tired of it. A lot of local posers came to shows merely to beat up people, and in Salt Lake City, Minor Threat's straightedge philosophy resonated. Not for the right reasons, though. Like the band themselves, after this show, I was ready to leave punk rock behind.

Too dang short! I had to listen to it twice in order to feel like I'd listened "enough". Fantastic.

As though someone heard a Dead Kennedys album and said, "Yes, like that, only less easy listening."

Fast, furious and just a bit ridiculous. Kind of like the Sex Pistols, but without their intellectual rigour and maturity.

Pre Listen:
Haven't heard of these guys, but the album title/cover is a bit on the nose. No expectations.

Notable Tracks:
Think Again | No Reason - I liked the bass work on a small sections of these tracks. I didn't like the overall song though at all, just the funky little bass moments. Give the bassist a raise, or better yet, put him on a band that lets him shine and doesn't loudly push him in the basement after a few seconds of sun.
Look Back And Laugh - Such riveting lyrics such as "Fuck it man" and "I don't like to be hurt" and "Talk your shit don't fuck with this". Sure I'll talk my shit, this shit sucks bruh! Every song sounds the same!
Little Friend - Stopped listening to the album here. I think I can make a wild guess how the last two songs sound, and I don't care to be subjected to this any more.

Post Listen:
I should've known the hot streak this project had going would end at some point. Yet more shiet punk where they just rip on the guitar and bang on the drums while screaming about problems they themselves likely created, over and over again, for every song.

It still baffles me how every punk album just sounds the same to me. It's so unforgivably formulaic for a movement that prides itself on being "different" from the establishment. Guitar is loud, drums are fast (and also loud), vocalist is upset/angry (and also loud), none are good though. The vocalist seems to think that by simply yelling into the mic it's classified as singing. Music for teenagers who got yelled at by their Mom or Dad once or maybe twice and took it really hard. Or music for meth heads who have gone one (1) day without meth.

"People talk loud when they want to act smart... so if we play loud, people might think we're good!" 1/5

EP?

The Good: No need to worry about the threat, it’s only minor!
The Bad: It is out of step…
The Ugly: Sidestepping a minor threat into a mayor threat…

What?

So, thankfully, this album was barely the length of single side album, so I was able to listen to it twice, just to get a better idea…

And here’s my idea… Punk Rock serves a purpose… unless that purpose is creating a romantic atmosphere, or trying to negotiate dinner plans with kids…
It is great for a short work-out though! Or a quick fight…

Anyway, I was impressed by the level of musicianship of the lads, thus I shall grant them 3*… unless they sidestep again!

Classic Punk album. Really short and hardly even an actual album. Perhaps a bit basic nowadays, but it was one of the first to make music like this. Minor Threat and Fugazi went on to make a lot of cool and interesting stuff, it's nice to hear their debut already being really solid.

21 hard-hitting, punk-pioneering minutes. Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Punk kann geil sein