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Rating: After pioneering the Hardcore Punk scene in Washington D.C. in the early '80s with their original blend of Hardcore Punk and Reggae, in the following years, they decided to further experiment.
After the excellent success of "I Against I," which also combined elements of Funk and Heavy Metal, trouble began to increase: a further album followed the trend of the last one titled "Quickness," which turned out good but below expectations, perhaps due to the absence of the historical drummer Earl Hudson; furthermore, shortly after the singer H.R. was imprisoned, and the group disbanded.
A few years later, they returned to the scene with new members alongside the originals Dr. Know and Darryl Jenifer: Israel Joseph I on vocals and Mackie Jayson (from the legendary Cro-Mags) on drums, a familiar face to Bad Brains as a session man during the recordings of "Quickness."
"Rise" represents the beginning of the decline of the group.
Essentially, it presents itself as a sufficient and relatively polymorphic album. In reality, nothing is lacking: there's the classic Hardcore Punk, there's the relaxing Reggae, there's the Heavy Metal, there's the Funk Metal, and there's even the Alternative Rock.
However, it must be said that it suffers from the absence of the Hudson brothers, often resulting weak in lyrics and music.
Not everything is negative, there are also particularly positive notes: Dr. Know's solos are always pleasant and innovative, Darryl Jenifer impeccable as always on bass, Israel Joseph I's voice is soft and warm (except when attempting to imitate H.R. in the overwhelming Hardcore sounds of "Unidentified").
Noteworthy: the Rapcore reminiscences of "Miss Freedom"; the inevitable Reggae with a deep Dub-style bass part of "Love Is The Answer"; the slaps and Funk Metal vibe of "Hair"; the Heavy Metal of "Free", with an excellent and virtuous solo.
To be reviewed: the enigmatic and syrupy Alternative Rock sound of "Without You"; to "avoid" the banal and repetitive "Coming In Numbers" and an indifferent "Peace Of Mind."
In conclusion, it's a 3 and a half. As far as I'm concerned, the last positive act of Bad Brains.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Unidentified (02:39)
No, I can't take it no more.
Living a fantasy
with my face laying flat on the floor.
How many days till the eagle flies.
Another one goes, another one gets by.
It's time to get high.
High up above
you search for our crop
and suddenly you drop.
Drop!
You,
you walk right through my door.
Unidentified,
now it's time to lesson they score.
Played by the rules of fools.
Now they've gone and convinced you of much more.
Now it's time to fly.
You're unidentified.
There's no way to avoid the blood you say.
Is it the taste you desire.
Do you know the right from the wrong.
The right from the wrong.
No I can't take it no more...
Living a fantasy
with my face laying flat on the floor.
How many days till the eagle flies.
Another one goes, another one gets by.
It's time to get high.
High up above
you search for our crop
And suddenly you drop.
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