Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essays from Washington DC, and Beyond, 1997-2017 by Antonia Tricarico, 176 pgs.

Antonia Tricarico’s Frame of Mind is a picture book that spans from 1997 to 2017 and while the work is primarily of D.C. bands, it covers other acts Tricarico captured throughout the U.S. and Europe. The book also includes essays by different women in music, including Alice Bag, Allison Wolfe, Joan Jett, and more.

It was enlightening to read how each person got into punk and found their place as musicians. In that sense, it was also empowering and I hope many young women who are contemplating playing an instrument will read these essays to show it is possible for them to also become musicians.

There were three things I especially liked about this book. One was the range of bands and artists. There are acts such as Fugazi captured on one page followed by bands I hadn’t heard of like Sneaks. Second, Tricarico takes some remarkable action photos. There are moments where she captures Scream literally screaming, Ian Svenonius dancing on stage, or L7 playing what I can imagine is a powerful riff. The final thing Tricarico does in Frame of Mind is give us insight into casual and intimate moments in the D.C. scene. There are pictures of bands and their family and friends together. I especially liked Scott Weinrich of St. Vitus with his baby, Flea talking with Amy Farina of the Evens, and Fugazi goofing around on a playground in Italy.

I couldn’t help but notice there were a number of pictures of Joe Lally of Fugazi. When I looked into that I found out that Tricarico and Lally are married. I can’t help but think having that relationship enabled Tricarico to get more consistent and intimate access of Fugazi, allowing her to have photos of the band that are better than most of those in Glen E. Friedman’s Keep Your Eyes Open.

I must admit I wasn’t expecting much from this book because I had no idea who Tricarico is, but her ability to take a wide range of musicians in various experiences and both show their energy and their humanity really makes these pages shine. The additional focus on women musicians both in photos and essays makes this one a keeper. –Kurt Morris (Akashic Books, 232 Third St., Suite A115, Brooklyn, NY 11215)