569. I against I - Bad Brains

After the debacle that was Sepultura, it was nice to listen to something far more accessible. I Against I is completely seeped in 80s nostalgia, which is of course no bad thing. There is a veritable feast of different noises, from screeching guitars to an almost constant snare and hi-hat combination.

Chloe and I were not familiar with the group before listening, although it transpired that I did know one song, House of Suffering, from a Guitar Hero game or something similar, and the riff from Re-ignition is used by Hive on Ultrasonic Sound from the Matrix soundtrack, an album that was a fixture from my youth. 

Bad Brains are a hardcore punk band from Washington DC, but this album also has strong elements of funk, metal and even reggae running through it. The album is an enjoyable, not very serious romp through similar sounding tracks. Some work well, and others are decent enough but slightly forgettable. I wouldn't say that this album is life-changing, but I'm sure it's influenced a fair few bands, and it does have some very catchy hooks. Secret 77 can easily get stuck in your head for days, and the licks from She's Calling You will remind you of a melodic Van Halen, which can only ever be an amazing thing. Sacred Love has a guitar sound that is filthily distorted, whilst being very addictive.

Overall I enjoyed this album, but I don't think either of us expect to revisit it very often in the future. I view it as one that fills in some gaps about the development of music in the late 80s, but hasn't reshaped how I view that era for the better or worse.

Chloe's rating: 6
Chloe's favourite track: 8. Sacred Love
Olly's rating: 6
Olly's favourite track: 7. She's Calling You

Next week's album is 898. The Slim Shady LP - Eminem. Solid.