Shudder to Think

This first release, originally by Sammich (run by Amanda Mackaye) in 1986 and now in remastered form by both that minor upstart and Dischord, is a visceral, powerful glimpse into what the band would become. Still holding onto many of the trends that dominated D.C. at the time, the band on this early output at times mirrors what other bands were doing in their vicinity. High-end bass tones, that "D.C." production, guitar tones are all reminiscent of bands like Three, Rites of Spring, and Embrace. But the band's true power lies is in the little things they do to throw you off that D.C. scent, things that would eventually give us the powerfully beautiful band of Pony Express Record: the vocal stylings of Craig Wedren, the ability for the drummer to almost guide the melody, a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," and time changes that bordered on chaos. A stunningly good listen from beginning to end, it's obvious from hearing this early work again that this band was meant for bigger and better things. ~ Chris True, All Music Guide