Government Issue

• Genre: Hardcore
• Hometown: Washington
• Government Issue Website

About

One of the most influential, long lasting and prolific of the 1980s DC Hardcore bands. Formed around the same time as Minor Threat and other now legendary Dischord bands, Government Issue kicked off their career playing loud, fast, harsh Punk, helping define the Hardcore genre. As the '80s progressed, so did Government Issue. They had varying success experimenting with their music, incorporating different styles into their slowing sound. In so dabbling Government Issue, along with bands such as Dag Nasty, helped mold what would become known as post-Hardcore. Working melodies into calmer, more complex songs, John Stabb's limited vocal range was put to the test, though bassist Jay Robbins really began to stand out in the later Government Issue songs. It's possible to hear early rumblings of what would become his next (and equally influential) band -- Jawbox. Though they aren't as well known as Minor Threat, Black Flag, or even Dag Nasty, true East Coast Hardcore fans swear that few other bands were as pivotal as Government Issue.

- Mark Murrmann