Secret History profiles classic D.C. albums as a way of looking back at the District’s contributions to music over time. This time around, we zero in on The Warmers’ bracing self-titled debut (Dischord, 1996).

The hardcore punk scene that flourished in D.C. in the 1980s served as a powerful incubator for good ideas and good bands. The energy, sense of community and abundance of all-ages venues provided a rock solid foundation for the creative process, making it possible for loads of bright, motivated kids to pick up instruments, write songs and make their noise heard.