Fugazi Releases Long-Lost Steve Albini Sessions of ‘In on the Kill Taker’ for Charity
Fugazi has officially released a highly sought-after recording: the 1992 studio sessions with Steve Albini that preceded their 1993 album, In on the Kill Taker. The release, dubbed “Albini Sessions (Benefit for Letters Charity),” is available now on Bandcamp, with all proceeds going to Letters Charity, a Chicago-based nonprofit supported by Albini and his widow, Heather Whinna [Consequence].
A Change of Scenery and a Unique Sound
In the fall of 1992, Fugazi found themselves at a creative crossroads while working on the songs that would grow In on the Kill Taker. Having already recorded some material at Inner Ear Studio and through practice recordings, the band sought a fresh perspective. They took up Steve Albini’s invitation to record at his Electrical Audio Studio in Chicago [Louder Sound].
The sessions were marked by a collaborative spirit, with Albini cooking pasta for the band and evenings spent playing the dice game Corickey. Despite the positive atmosphere, Fugazi ultimately decided the recordings didn’t capture the sound they were aiming for. Albini himself later admitted the recording wasn’t his “finest hour” [Louder Sound]. The band subsequently re-recorded the album at Inner Ear Studio with Ted Niceley [Wikipedia].
From Shelved Recordings to Charitable Release
For decades, the Albini sessions remained largely unheard, circulating only through leaked tapes. Now, Fugazi is making the complete recordings available for the first time. The release includes all 12 tracks that Albini engineered and mixed in Chicago, the same songs that would later be re-recorded for In on the Kill Taker [Consequence].
The band explained on Bandcamp that the release is a tribute to Albini, who passed away in 2024 and a way to support Letters Charity, an organization that provides direct financial assistance to families experiencing poverty [Consequence]. Fans are encouraged to donate generously, with 100% of Bandcamp profits on Friday, March 7, 2026, going directly to the charity [Louder Sound].
Tracklist: Albini Sessions (Benefit for Letters Charity)
- 01. Cassavetes (Albini Session)
- 02. Facet Squared (Albini Session)
- 03. Public Witness Program (Albini Session)
- 04. Instrument (Albini Session)
- 05. Walken’s Syndrome (Albini Session)
- 06. Returning the Screw (Albini Session)
- 07. Rend It (Albini Session)
- 08. Great Cop (Albini Session)
- 09. 23 Beats Off (Albini Session)
- 10. Smallpox Champion (Albini Session)
- 11. Last Chance for a Slow Dance (Albini Session)
- 12. Sweet and Low (Albini Session)
Fugazi has remained largely inactive since 2002, though members have occasionally jammed privately and reportedly declined offers to reunite [Louder Sound].