Bad Brains - Build A Nation Review
Posted by Jesse Coy on 07.03.2007
It's been twelve years since this pioneer punk act, blending punk sounds and reggae, issued a studio album. But they're back in original lineup formation. Is 2007 the year of punk forefathers returning, and how does the Bad Brains' contribution stand up in general?
Bad Brains Build A Nation
2007
Megaforce Records
The Bad Brains are back with their original lineup. It’s the first entirely new studio release in twelve years, since 1995’s God of Love (the only Bad Brains album I’ve yet to get, in addition to a couple assorted live albums). The wait was well worth it, because Build a Nation is a strong release.
The album starts off with “Give Thanks and Praises,” which really sets the tone for both the album, and also H.R.’s singing style. Musically, the fast and heavy stuff are tight. The vocals have this quite expansive quality to them, filling the music up by reverberating throughout. It ends in a group chant that harkens back to the song title. “Jah People Make the World Go Round” starts intense, with some of the hardest punk you’ve probably heard in a while, and then chugs along at a quick tempo, with H.R. delivering a similar reverb style of vocals. Gone are the days of old with his high-pitched yips and shrieks. But this delivery, which nearly transcends the music, somehow fits perfectly with it. “Pure Love” is another quick, and short, pure punk punch, leading into the first straight out reggae track.
“Natty Dreadlocks ‘pon the Mountain Top” is a superb reggae song. I will admit that I don’t have a huge amount of reggae in my collection (pure reggae, I mean… it may be mostly the four or five Bob Marley albums I have). Familiar with the reggae on past Bad Brains albums, I will say that this track, along with the other reggae tracks, “Jah Love,” “Roll On,” “United Kingdom Comes,” and “Peace Be Unto Thee,” to me sound even more traditional (or Bob Marley style) reggae, with a fuller range of instrumental backup, than the Bad Brains’ past reggae tracks have sounded. It may be H.R. and drummer Earl Hudson’s stronger focus on reggae from the 90’s onward, when at many times they were less interested in the punk and metal angles that interested guitarist Dr. Know and bassist Darryl Jenifer were.
Whatever the case, the metal/punk tracks sit side by side with the reggae tracks, and it all works together quite well. For the Bad Brains, it always has. Yet if someone back in the day proposed… “let’s make a punk, reggae band,” people would think they were insane. As some of the press info that came my way mentioned, it’s a formula yet to be copied, and I’d entirely agree. The only other band of whom I know who attempted something similar, who were very much influenced by the Bad Brains, was 24-7 Spyz on their first two releases (dating back to the late 80’s). I think the reason why the combo works so well is that you have that intense burst of energy, the punk/metal side, followed by the mellow, breathing space of the reggae tracks. Mixing them together is perfect (kind of like a peanut butter and pickle burger).
Back to the music, though… the title track, “Build a Nation,” is straight forward, without stop, H.R.’s repeated refrain occasionally bouncing about or echoing, giving it a spiraling effect. “Expand Your Soul” has more of a heavier sound to it (ala “Sacred Love”), while “Let There Be Angels” and “Universal Peace” have the punk speed and energy of some of the band’s earliest recordings. Unlike the Stooges’ new release this year, which I also reviewed, and which had some really good moments, but also several flaws, there’s not much I can say in criticism of Bad Brains’ Build a Nation. The only thing might be that at times, on the faster tracks, I felt that H.R.’s vocal track was just a bit too low. It’s a very minor point on an incredible album, produced by long time admirer, as all the Beastie Boys were, Adam Yauch (and I could detect subtle elements there of a Beastie Boys production style).
The album rounds out with “In the Beginning,” “Send You No Flowers” (with some blistering guitar solo work, and an interesting voice sample that may make your head spin), and “Peace Be Unto Thee” (the last track a reggae track… a great anthem of a song).
The 411: With the announcement that System of a Down’s Shavo will be directing their first video, and much praise already accruing for this release from fellow musicians influenced by one of punk’s most unique bands, it’s great to have the Bad Brains back. I can only say that personally, I’m psyched for Aug. 5th and the Virgin Festival, because while I’ve seen the Bad Brains twice, once with Chuck Mosely singing and once with Joseph I (vocalist for the Rise release), this’ll be the first time I’ll see the original lineup intact. Excellent…
