Bad Brains
Rock For Light

THE REVIEW

The Bad Brains were a great hardcore punk band.
So far nothing unusual, but for the newcomer, opening the album and finding themselves faced with four African Americans with dreadlocks down to their backsides, you will agree with me, might raise some doubts. The answer is the most obvious: the "bad brains" are Rastafari and punk. Simple, right?

Released in 1983, Rock for Light is a seminal album, essential for defining the standards of hardcore.
Never before had rock been so fast and so wild. Yes, because wild is the most fitting adjective for the music of Paul “H.R.” Hudson, Dr. Know, Darryl Jennifer, and Earl Hudson, natives of Washington D.C. (doesn't that ring a bell? Minor Threat, Fugazi...).

"Big Takeover,” "Right Brigade,” "Destroy Babylon,” "Sailin’ On,” "At The Movies” are indelible anthems, characterized by screeching guitars and breathtaking breaks, all exacerbated by Paul Hudson's nervous singing and anti-system lyrics: they would make even the most diehard fan of Claudio Villa want to mosh.
The album is embellished here and there by quality reggae moments (the beautiful “I And I Survive”) that allow us to catch our breath and them to pay tribute to Jah.

The Bad Brains would not repeat themselves at this level (who could blame them), but with this work, they leave an indelible mark on rock and what would become crossover.
A must-have for all extreme rock lovers.