Articles Of Faith

Articles of Faith was a Chicago-based hardcore punk band originally active between 1981 and 1985, with subsequent reunions in 1991-1992 and 2010. Renowned for their superior songwriting and for foreshadowing the emo sound, Articles of Faith made significant contributions to the hardcore punk and punk rock genres.

Formation and Early Years (1981–1985)

Originally a Springsteen/Clash cover band named Direct Drive, the group transformed into Articles of Faith after frontman Vic Bondi attended a Bad Brains show in Washington, D.C., in 1981, which he described as an “epiphany.” This experience led to a shift in their musical style and name. Articles of Faith incorporated funk, reggae, and jazz influences into their hardcore punk sound, with lyrics addressing the challenges of finding freedom and fulfillment in a consumer-driven society. Despite being based in Chicago, the band maintained close ties to the Washington D.C. Dischord Records scene.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Give Thanks (1984, Reflex Records, produced by Bob Mould)
• In This Life (1987, Lone Wolf Records, produced by Bob Mould)

Extended Plays

• What We Want Is Free (EP 1982, Version Sound, re-released on Wasteland Records)
• Wait (EP 1983, Wasteland Records)
• Fortunate Son (EP 2003, Alternative Tentacles, split with Vic Bondi)
• New Normal Catastrophe (EP 2010, Alternative Tentacles)

Compilations

• Housecore Records Compilation Volume 1 (2009) – Track “Crippled Life”

Band Members

• Vic Bondi – vocals, guitar
• Dave Shield – bass guitar, vocals
• Bill Richman aka Virus X – drums
• Dorian Tajbakhsh – guitar
• Joe Scuderi – guitar

Musical Style and Themes

Articles of Faith’s music is characterized by a blend of hardcore punk and punk rock, infused with funk, reggae, and jazz influences. Their lyrics often explore themes of personal freedom, societal challenges, and the quest for fulfillment beyond consumerism. The band’s innovative songwriting and incorporation of diverse musical elements set them apart in the punk scene, laying the groundwork for the emo genre.

Legacy and Influence

Articles of Faith is credited with superior songwriting and for foreshadowing the emo sound. Their influence is acknowledged by prominent bands such as NOFX, Heroin, and Disfear, who cite Articles of Faith as a significant inspiration in their own music.

Trivia

• Originally named Direct Drive, the band changed their name to Articles of Faith after a transformative Bad Brains concert.
• Frontman Vic Bondi worked as a history instructor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and later contributed to Microsoft’s Encarta as managing editor of the Encarta Interactive English Learning edition.
• The band’s final show of their 1991 European reunion tour was recorded and released as part of the Your Choice Live series.
• Vic Bondi went on to form other bands, including Alloy and Report Suspicious Activity, and was featured in documentaries like American Hardcore and You Weren’t There.