Bad BrainsNew Bad Brains album...this in itself should be enough to excite those well-versed in quality music, and enough to incite some curious murmurs from the kids. While Bad Brains are unlikely to ever reclaim the throne of influence they once had, they're arguably one of the most consistent early hardcore bands, and this is a trend that continues on ‘Into The Future.’
The album is in many ways similar to the band's material around the period of I & I Survived (2002) in that it places roughly equal emphasis on the dub, reggae and hardcore sounds. The result is spectacular. The album is paced perfectly, and by the second track, ‘Popcorn,’ it's part mosh, part skank, and full value.
That's not to say there's not something on there for the old-school fans - the sixth track, ‘Yes I’ is a furious reminder that punk is not dead, it's just sleeping drunk. Bad Brains could certainly teach the moshcore kids how to run a hardcore band.
Normally a longer review would be necessary, but there’s no need for more indulgent and excessive words – ‘Into the Future’ is thoroughly impressive. Regardless of lineup changes, religion and God knows what else has befallen Bad Brains since the beginning of their career; they've pulled through with both their musical productivity and integrity intact. Highly recommended.
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
