I Against I
ORG, 2024
9/10
Originally released in 1986 on the SST label, this 3rd album from the almighty Bad Brains remains one of the all time greats to this day, where punk, hardcore, ska and reggae collide with blistering fury and here it’s restored and remastered precisely.
The aptly titled “Intro” opens with Dr. Know’s thick guitar and Earl’s pounding drums for the dense 1 minute of rock, and the title track follows with H.R.’s inimitable talk/singing that suits the flowing rhythm section and calmer bits of melodic punk.
In the middle, Darryl’s chunky bass lines and the biting versus soaring vocals of “Secret ‘77” recruit soulful ideas, while “Let Me Help” is a fierce, scrappy album highlight with shouted backing vocals to complement the tuneful moments of H.R.’s diverse pipes.
Closer to the end, “Sacred Love” is vocally a bit different in tone, probably cause H.R. sang his part from prison, and “Return To Heaven” exits with punk, funk and metal aspects, as H.R. shows us even more avenues of his vocal prowess.
Punks have been worshipping this album since it came out, but there’s also plenty of other influences to be enjoyed across the spectrum. H.R. gives us an incredible performance, where his falsetto comes out alongside a more abrasive hardcore style and even some rapid fire, nearly hip-hop flavor.
If you haven’t heard this record, and punk, hardcore, funk, reggae or metal are in your interests, you’re missing out. If you have heard it, well, you certainly will agree a reissue is much warranted.
Travels well with: Seized Up- Modify The Sacred; Cock Sparrer- Hand On Heart