There was some sort of unrest in the neighborhood that evening if I remember correctly

Ignition and Moss Icon stood out that evening

It was also very hot

This was an epic day for a hitchhiking kid from Ohio who was in the right place at the exact right time, enjoying the legendary hospitality of the Dischord House. Memories of a muggy afternoon spent with Go Go and Mud Pup before piling in the van – Ian MacKaye at the wheel like an older brother to the NOU crew, Ian Svenonius with a head full of bright purple hair. Stopping by the grocery store for water and snacks beforehand – disapproving scowl from I.M. for that illicit handful of bulk food nuts (sorry, bro!). Cassette of a Three demo playing in the laughter-filled van. Moss Icon’s singer finished their set by marching, mid-song, straight off the stage into the DC night. “This singer is rather out there,” Brendan commented reverentially. This was NOU’s first show. The mayhem that they would soon unleash upon the world broiled beneath the surface – contained for this night, but the general impression was that this was an outfit that was determined to Take The Kingdom of Heaven by Storm – very soon. Ignition was amazing – Alec cool as ever in suit and tie, undaunted by the stifling heat. Fugazi was brilliant. Everything was in place – the hyper-intelligent bass lines, dueling guitars/vocals, Brendan’s bell. This was such a massive hometown show, hopefully someone will forward a recording. There was an additional contribution to the Fugazi sound that night, and that is the only part of the evening that is a little fuzzy. Keyboards? Bagpipes? The most vivid memory of the show, of course, was the relentless Charlie The Dancer!