End on End

12 songs. Released on CD by Dischord in 1991, this digital version of "End on End" covers the complete recorded output of the legendary Rites of Spring: their self-titled LP, the "All Through a Life" EP, and one extra song. One of the first bands to be labeled emo-core, Rites of Spring would seem to transcend all labels as their music cuts right through to the heart of universal human experience. Emotional? Yes -- check out the bitter memorial relived on "For Want Of," the pulse pounding moment-grab that is "Drink Deep," or the devoted searches for honesty and meaning explored on "End on End," "Theme," and really just about every track on the disc. Hardcore? Yes -— emerging from the D.C. scene, the music is pure focused energy, with not a single note wasted. The band at times is fast and furious, at other times lush and evocative, though always with a sense of drive and melody. Rites of Spring hint at some of the territory vocalist/guitarist Guy Picciotto and drummer Brendan Canty would later survey with Fugazi but this band is much more than just a stepping stone. "End on End," quite simply, is a testament to the rich possibilities of sincerity in music.