In 1983, hardcore was out of gas. But in 1984, records by bands like The Minutemen and Husker Du exploded the conventions what hardcore punk could be. Taking inspiration from these and early UK anarcho-punk, Rites of Spring injected new life and blood into a scene that desperately needed it. We’ll also discuss the importance of Revolution Summer in fostering a more open and politically progressive scene in DC, the establishment of the community organization Positive Force, and, yes, the dreaded word: emo.