The Faith

The Faith was an early American hardcore punk band, from Washington DC, with strong connections to the scene centered around the Dischord label. Despite of their short lifespan, and limited Discography, they were extremely influential on Emocore.

The band formed as a four piece in the Summer of 1981 and featured Alec MacKaye on vocals, who had formerly sang for the Untouchables as well as Michael Hampton of State Of Alert on guitar. After recording a demo, the band released a split LP with fellow D.C. hardcore band, Void. It was put out on Dischord Records, which was founded by Mackaye's older brother and Minor Threat vocalist, Ian MacKaye. It featured the song, "You're X'd" which addressed the straight edge philosophy popularized by Minor Threat and S.O.A.

In 1983 The Faith released an eight song twelve inch EP called "Subject to Change." It was produced by Ian MacKaye and showed the band progressing into more melodic territory with the addition of a second guitarist. Within a few months of recording the record the Faith broke up and three out of five members went on to join Embrace with Ian MacKaye on vocals. Guitarist Eddie Janney joined Rites of Spring and later was reunited with Michael Hampton for One Last Wish. Alec MacKaye would go on to sing for Ignition and then later the Warmers.

Their split LP with hardcore punk group Void was one of Kurt Cobain's favorite albums.