Among the reigns of influential bands in several of the sub-genres of rock, one band that is essential in hardcore punk is Bad Brains. The NY by-way-of-DC based band were pivotal in taking what The Ramones and The Clash started and brought in other influences such as reggae, dub, and metal. Their seminal ROIR release back in 1982 is still a blueprint of what a true and raw hardcore record should sound like.
Other releases such I Against I and Quickness influenced many others (like me) with a fluid fusion of so many genres on each release but as with many bands, they did not come without its quirks. Without going into the drama and stories that caused so many setbacks (I am talking to you H.R) to what could have been great success, Bad Brains disbanded sadly.
11 years later, the quartet of H.R., Dr. Know, Earl, and Darryl Jenifer had been working on new material and Adam Yauch (MCA) of the Beastie Boys, who has always made it clear of his love for Bad Brains, offered up his Oscilloscope Studios and production services to record Bad Brains’ newest release Build A Nation (Megaforce Records).
The opening track “Give Thanks and Praises” immediately takes you back to the onslaught of metallic bliss intertwined with H.R’s recognized croon. It soon transitions into “Jah People Make the World Go Round”, which will bring back memories of I Against I with its firm tempo and back to basics hardcore.
Their love of reggae and dub will always be evident so the track “Natty Dreadlocks 'pontheMountainTop” is no surprise. It’s carefully crafted and would fit on anything Steel Pulse or Burning Spear is doing nowadays. While the title track “Build A Nation” goes right back to the venomous riffs and fast-paced guitars, the power is doubled during “Let There Be Angels (Just Like You” as it comes with even more fury and tenacity.
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Article comments
1 - Blake L
This is the best and most honest review of this record I have read so far. I was sick of reading reviews from people who don't know shit from good chocolate (when it comes to bad brains and this record). Thank you for being fresh.
2 - Jerry
blake...thanks for the kind words homie. I was anticipating this release for a long time and I'm glad it wasnt a disappointing record.
cheers!