This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
For most bands — even most punk bands — 15 songs in 35 minutes is a pretty fast set. But for California’s F-Minus — whose first two albums offered 40 tracks in a total of 40 minutes — it’s practically an eternity.
Maybe the foursome’s expansive new approach on Wake Up Screaming has something to do with the increased lyrical and musical maturity of these tracks, which find the band augmenting their distinctive co-ed vocals and frenzied grind with more spacious and varied arrangements — but without sacrificing their hardcore aggression and integrity. Or maybe it has to do with the presence of Steve Albini, who presumably recorded this CD with the same underproduction and hands-off approach that seems to bring out the best in so many artists. Or maybe it’s just that singer-guitarists Brad Logan and Erica Daking got tired of having to write 50 songs just to play a half-hour set. Either way, Wake Up Screaming sounds like the dawning of a new day for F-Minus.
