Although this album contains a lot of non-essential hardcore, it does get props for so thoroughly documenting the early-'80s D.C. hardcore scene. For some of the groups (
Red C
,
Iron Cross
), this compilation was the extent of their exposure. For others (
Minor Threat
Government Issue
Youth Brigade
), this compilation was just the starting point for exposure and recognition. As for the music itself, all of the songs are fast and furious hardcore. While all brutally fast and confrontational, some groups are more melodic (
Teen Idles
), and some are about as atonal as a group can sound (
Void
). Whether the music is a light or heavy assault on the ears, this music is important. There isn't a more complete summary of early D.C. hardcore out there. ~ Zachary Curd