It was a journey down a bumpy road to achieve reggae-punk-rock stardom, but after an illustrious career that has been influential to so many prominent artists of today, Bad Brains is celebrating their 35th anniversary, and the release of their ninth studio album, Into The Future.
Emerging from the punk movement that they helped pioneer, Bad Brains is easily one of the most significant bands still making music today. With their novel, adrenaline-filled live performances and innovative genre-crossing style, Bad Brains shares a spot in American Rock history alongside other iconic acts such as the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, The Clash and The Ramones.
In today’s music, Bad Brain’s impact can be heard across the board. They have been an influence on the Red hot Chili Peppers, and they can be felt in the reggae-punk combination of a live Slightly Stoopid performance. It is this respect coupled with the talents of vocalist H.R (Human Rights)., guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson, that gives the band their legendary status.
Over the years, there has been several times of break up for Bad Brains, putting performances on hiatus, or substituting out members. In 2005 the original four members regrouped, this time joining forces with the late, great Beastie Boys artist and independent producer, Adam Yauch, to release Build A Nation in June of 2007. Now, after five years of touring, festival gigs, and work on their various solo efforts, Bad Brains has created the follow-up to their reuniting comeback record.
On November 19th, Bad Brains once again returned to the spotlight with Into The Future. Released via Megaforce Records, the highly anticipated record is one bassist Darryl Jenifer describes as a “the purest Bad Brains’ recordings since the ROIR cassette…A treat for the hardcore Bad Brains’ fan, with a variety of styles and creative progression not seen in years. This self-produced record shines with a true sense of freedom and musical experimentation, with blends of soulful backgrounds meshed with blistering hardcore and metal riffs, with classic dub.”
The 13-tracks of Into The Future are surrounded by inspiration. The cover art was designed by lifelong Bad Brains’ fan, and American artist, Shepard Fairey, who struck fame during the 2008 presidential election for his illustration of the Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster. To end the record, Bad Brains included the “MCA Dub.” From their early days as a rock group, the Beastie Boys were inspired by these legends. This final track is Bad Brains’ tribute to their lifelong fan and friend, Adam Yauch.
This is a record that can be enjoyed by new and hardcore Bad Brains’ fans a like. It encompasses their classic sound, laying hard into heavier tracks, but also slowing down for several dubbed out reggae tracks, labeled by the band as “future reggae.” The new LP is on itunes, Amazon, and in stores now.
Into The Future Track List:
1.) Into The Future
2.) Popcorn
3.) We Belong Together
4.) Youth Of Today
5.) RubADub Love
6.) Yes I
7.) Suck Sess
8.) Jah Love
9.) Earnest Love
10.) Come Down
11.) Fun
12.) Maybe A Joyful Noise
13.) MCA Dub
Bad Brains Links:
Bad Brains Website
Bad Brains facebook
Bad Brains twitter
Article By: Aaron Solomon
Watch: Bad Brains – “I Against I” Official Music Video from 1986
Listen: Bad Brains “Into the Future”