Minor Threat – Out of Step

Review

Dude, "Out of Step" by Minor Threat is like a Molotov cocktail of hardcore punk, dropped in April 1983 to blow our friggin' minds. This album didn't just shift their sound; it cranked the dial to eleven with more complex arrangements and song structures. The new blood—Brian Baker on second guitar and Steve Hansgen on bass—added a thick layer of depth, creating bass lines that cozy up to the guitar like they completed each other’s sentences. Ian MacKaye's lyrics dive into self-reflection and youth frustration, ditching the overtly political edge of their earlier stuff for something way more introspective and raw.

Let's not ignore its seismic impact on punk and hardcore—think grunge, post-hardcore, and thrash metal all taking notes from this epic piece. The production, courtesy of Don Zientara and the band, captures every ounce of their raw, live energy. Cynthia Connolly's artwork wraps it all up like the cherry on a chaos sundae. If you're a hardcore punk junkie or just a lover of underground music's evolution, "Out of Step" is a no-brainer—just press play and feel the revolution. - Vince