In this episode, we dive into Embrace, the posthumously released self-titled album from one of the most pivotal bands of Washington, D.C.’s Revolution Summer movement. Though only active from 1985 to 1986, Embrace brought together vocalist Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat) with three former members of the Faith, guitarist Michael Hampton, bassist Chris Bald, and drummer Ivor Hanson, to create a record that helped redefine punk’s emotional and musical boundaries.

Our guest is Mark Jenkins, longtime D.C. writer and co-author of Dance of Days. Together, we explore how Embrace captured a moment of transition in the D.C. hardcore scene, why the album was released a year after the band broke up, and how it reflects the shift toward personal introspection, community-minded values, and experimentation during the mid-1980s.

We also look at Embrace’s role within the broader context of Revolution Summer, the media’s early attempts to label this new sound as “emocore,” and how the album connects the dots between Minor Threat’s raw energy and Fugazi’s expansive post-hardcore vision.

Go Further:

Dischord Records – Embrace

Wikipedia – Embrace (American band)

Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins – Akashic Books

Follow Us:

Social Media: @dcrockpod

Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com

Hosts:

Philip Basnight – Broke Royals

Alex Vidales – Pilot Waves

Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight