This is a welcome re-issue of Bad Brains classic I Against I album that originally came out in 1986 it was the bands third album, with the classic lineup of Dr Know, HR, Darryl Jenifer and Earl Hudson this re-issue is available in a selection of different coloured vinyl editions as well as a Punk Note version with clear coke coloured vinyl.
The a-side of the album opens with Intro that sets out Bad Brains stall as a hardcore punk band with doomy drums, slight reggae tinge, it leads into the all time classic whirlwind of I Against I super speedy vocals fighting the system and oppression in the USA, with the backing vocal gang being crushed by guitars rampaging through the middle eight like the sonic revolution they were at the forefront of.
House Of Suffering has that grinding riff with almost poppy vocals that get more distressed with everything happening in the House Of Suffering they see all around, sadly this song is still totally on point for the world as it originally was, just let the rage take away some of the pain.
Re-Ignition reels the listener in with quiet loud dichotomies, set within the scattergun guitar with HR's pained vocals straining at the edges, this falls through the floors with a prog meets hardcore wail of guitar shred, they really will re-ignite several blazes at once.
Secret 77 has a funky bassline and disco guitar, they seek mercy for the poor, hoping to make the world a more equitable place. The more I listen to the bassline the more convinced I am that it was nicked from Level 42.
The B-side opens with Let Me Help that has a bit of a Black Flag feel to how the backing vocals work, they beg for a chance to help you lead the best life you can. The drums seem to take a central position allowing the guitar to fry at will.
She's Calling You so go on give in, allow that riff to intoxicate you, the effects edge towards you a little scratchy, but irresistible.
Sacred Love is something we all hope to share with someone special, this is not the sort of Sacred Love priests deal in, no this is very much making a special connection to take it to another level with that special someone, they dial back the hard-core rage into something a bit more seductive.
Hired Gun takes a look at the sort of person who's happy to be a Hired Gun of any variety, just in it for the Benjamins, with no heart or soul in the game, with its almost prog punk edges allowing the shredding guitar to stand out, drums hitting across the speakers in widescreen.
Return To Heaven has a horror punk edge to the vocals, guitars crash all around them, the softer side comes through vocally, guitars go running in harsher flights, they hope to get back to heaven soon come.
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