Defining hardcore and differentiating it from punk is almost a completely impossible endeavor. While the Zero Boys are unquestionably a good band, it seems to me that the Exploited were more of a hardcore group than the Indiana natives. That’s not to say that I appreciate one band over the other, but genre names result in this kind of stultifying mess. And with that being said, Chicago’s Articles of Faith come across as at best a deft mix of some nascent hardcore thing and aggressive, early ‘80s punk, not too different from the Zero Boys or even early Screeching Weasel (seriously, listen to “American Suicide” or “More Problems” and continue referring to the group as pop-punk).

So in figuring the legacy of Articles of Faith, understanding the time at which they emerged becomes as important as listening to its music, which is neatly packaged over two albums entitled Vol. 01 and Vol. 02. Of course, one should immediately wonder why a band that didn’t necessarily affect the genre has its discography spread out over two albums whereas Minor Threat is represented by a single disc, but that’s how it goes.

Anyway, Articles of Faith sprung up amidst a scene that wasn’t quite in full swing, but certainly had its central figures. One might figure that any disputes noted by Articles of Faith concerning the Effigies (or vice versa) were simply the old meeting the new. Granted, outside of the sphere of Chicago neither band is hailed as indispensible – unless you’re a skinner and then you might care a bit too much for the Effigies.

The city that both groups hail from does have a specific sound, though, and it’s got nothing to do with the Weasels. Between the Effigies and Articles of Faith, there’s a sort of low down, almost grimy styled punk that was being developed. The songs that both trucked in weren’t without politics either. And while that might occasionally become burdensome, most of the writing (for both acts) was thoughtful and well construed.

Edging out the Effigies, though, Articles of Faith maintained a sort of urgency that didn’t ever devolve into hard-rock – well at least over most of the first volume of its work.

“Give Thanks” moves Articles of Faith past hardcore with its guitar theatrics (and sludgy tone) almost touching on metal. But it’s also worth mentioning that songs like this one may have made it all the way to Seattle and influenced the scum punk stuff that was going on there that would eventually result in whatever grunge is supposed to be.

On occasion, the group got a bit too ambitious as was the case with the six minute “In this Jungle.” And while the commentary on city living, not just here, but across Articles’ entire catalog comes off as thoughtful, the time changes, drumming and guitar work can frequently become too theatrical. It’s not Queen or anything, but when the ensemble sticks to simplicity, the results are just short of incredible.

There’s a reason why the early Chicago scene hasn’t gotten its due, but after listening to the Articles of Faith discography, it’s hard to understand what that reason is. Cop it well.