Fugazi is one of those bands I know by name, but not by sound. They had a reputation for not only being one of the great post-hardcore bands but also the most ethical. They sought to keep their concert prices exceedingly low, and discouraged slam-dancing and fighting at their concerts (going so far as to keep envelopes of $5 bills in their tour van as a refund when they had to kick out unrepentant dancers.)

As such I knew who they were by reputation but never really got into their music. I think I had Repeater for awhile in college but didn't give it enough spins to be able to name a song all these years later.

Since 2003 Fugazi has been on indefinite hiatus, which has allowed each member to play on solo and side projects. Founding member, and bassist Joe Lally has released three solo albums since the hiatus including Why Should I Get Used which was released this past April.

"What Makes You" contains - not surprisingly - some big bass leads. What is surprising, at least to me (someone who admittedly isn't at all familiar with Fugazi's sound,) is how non-heavy it is. I was expecting something a little more, well if not hardcore then at least a bit ferocious, but this isn't that. The bass lines are a bit heavy and there's a bit of discordant energy and pulsing beats, but overall its something my mother wouldn't object to which is not at all what I expected when I first plugged it in. But that has more to do with my expectations when I hear the words "Fugazi's bassist" than anything to do with the music.

The music is good- hear for yourself. "What Makes You" has a sort of minimalistic feel with just a driving bass line, a pulsing plink and Lally's plain, spoken-word style vocals. Its got enough oomph to wake this tired slob up on a Monday morning but not quite enough to get me kicked out of the office with a $5 envelope.

You can purchase the new record anywhere music is sold. You can learn more about Joe Lally on his website. You can see Joe Lally on tour at the following venues: