Artist

Embrace

1985-1986·Washington, D.C.

Embrace was Ian MacKaye's project between Minor Threat and Fugazi, active for one year, 1985 to 1986, born out of Revolution Summer's push to open hardcore up emotionally. The band slowed the tempo down and made room for melody, trading Minor Threat's clenched-fist economy for softer dynamics and lyrics that looked inward instead of out. MacKaye used Embrace to work through the vulnerability that Amy Pickering and other Revolution Summer participants were pushing the scene toward. It was brief, but it proved MacKaye could move past Minor Threat's rigid template without losing intensity — a lesson he carried directly into Fugazi two years later.

At a glance

Active
1985–1986
From
Washington, D.C., USA

Listen

Spotify

In the issues

  • DC Hardcore
    Supporting cast · 1979-1986

    DC Hardcore is a music scene from Washington, D.C., USA, 1979–1986. Its principal artists include Minor Threat, Fugazi, Ian MacKaye and Bad Brains. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 18 dated events.