BAD BRAINS
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Bad Brains usually has reggae music on each one of
their discs -- but not this one. Instead, the fusion of hardcore punk, heavy
metal, soul and funk are pounded like nails into a fence that keeps getting
slammed in your face. Since no reggae seeped into this recording, you will
probably be able to find it under heavy metal if you want to search for
something completely different.
The guitar is all over the place and the solos are way out there but its still
wild music and there are probably a handful of people who even know about this
obscure band. The music is good in parts and it takes a couple of listens to get
the flow going. The Rastafarian sound comes through mostly on the vocals of H.R.
(Human Rights). H.R. has been around the block a few times and most notably
helped out P.O.D. with their track "Without Jah, Nothin" on the disc titled
"Satellite."
The song "Sacred Love" has an odd sound to it; the vocals were recorded over a
phone call from prison while H.R. was serving time on a marijuana charge.
If you want something that doesn't sound like anything
else you have on tap then check out Bad Brains. These guys have been around
since 1977 and released their first self-titled disc in 1982. They have
influenced more bands that you can shake a stick at.
Bad Brains: H.R. – vocals; Dr. Know – guitar; Darryl Jenifer – bass; Earl Hudson
– drums.
For more information, check out
http://www.badbrains.com/
or
http://www.myspace.com/badbrains.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
15 Apr 2024 14:51:33 -0400.