by Adrian Sendejas
Contributing Writer
The Delgados' album Domestiques is a collection of songs that basically employs two types of sounds - the hard rush of the drum accompanied by guitar and a slow, melodic sound reminiscent of late '80s music.
The inability to produce anything else may stem from the fact that The Delgados are, in reality, a band from the United Kingdom that uses its foreign sound in an attempt to reach the United States.
Though the band has moments of genius both lyrically and in the sound it creates, Domestiques seems to lack a natural feel that can appeal to listeners worldwide. It seems as if The Delgados are trying to create a sound that is conceived from the knowledge of music and not the passion that drives it.
The hang-loose guitar style that backs the vocals of Emma Pollock is a definite plus that, at times, makes its way into your head. The repetitious melody that gives way to Pollock's voice, which can best be compared to the vocal stylings of Juliana Hatfield, is often overplayed to the point of being obnoxious.
A few tracks escape this fate by putting forth a different sound. The sinister charm of "Falling and Landing" reveals a beauty within the sound that makes it a worthy contender.
The biggest problem The Delgados face is the repetitiveness that runs rampant throughout most of the album. All the tracks on this album can be categorized under the only two sounds The Delgados seem to be aware of - fast and slow. This unfortunate event creates two lumps of indifferent offerings, all of which sound as if they were cloned off a couple of master prints.
by Al Greenwood
Senior Staff Writer
Polish your chains, ugly sneer and bad attitude. After much public protest and rioting, Reachout International Records Inc. has finally released Bad Brains' debut on compact disc.
During punk's early years in the '80s, Bad Brains was one of the few black punk bands in the world. They began playing in Washington, D.C., and exploded onto the New York scene in 1979.
Bad Brains was their first studio release, which was previously available only on tape. It was so rare, fans would pass around copies until they stripped the magnetic surface.
Although the music dates back 15 years, Bad Brains exceeds anything the group ever released, even the critical favorite, Rock by Light.
Not only are the first three songs the album's best, but they're probably the best songs ever recorded in the '80s.
"Sail On" starts off with four drum taps and a torrent of bouncy chords by guitarist Dr. Know. Throughout the song, Dr. Know alternates between primitive beat and mindless syncopation.
"Don't Need It" has the same contrast in rhythm. Drummer Earl Hudson pounds a simple rhythm while Dr. Know plays twice as fast.
The whole song is simple thrash. Bassist Darryl hammers along with Dr. Know throughout the song, stuttering arpeggios like a jackhammer.
"Attitude" sounds like a florid tarantella. All the notes, lyrics and beats leap from the album. Dr. Know alternates between simple, solid chords and streams of sound. Hudson accompanies with a manic quarter-note beat.
Other songs like "Pay to Cum," "F.V.K. (Fearless Vampire Killers)" and "Supertouch/Shitfit" play at drug-induced speeds. Punks can spew torrents of spit to their hearts' content.
Singer H.R. shares the same fury, screaming, "Banned in D.C. with a thousand other places to go/Gonna swim across the Atlantic/Cause that's the only place I can go."
In "F.V.K.," he shouts, "We don't want your filthy money/We don't need your innocent bloodshed/We just wanna end your world."
In all the punk songs, the lyrics scorch with the same alienation as the music.
However, Bad Brains didn't only encourage acts of senseless violence. Between all the bashing are four reggae songs.
The reggae fits perfectly with the punk. With such lyrics as "I'm leaving this Babylon" and "Trying to live my life in peace/Two young men ... try to make me feel ashamed," singer H.R. expresses the same alienation which pounds in the 11 punk songs.
Dr. Know's soft, romantic guitar solos are almost profane when they're crammed between "Shitfit" and "Banned in D.C."
The first reggae piece, "Jah Calling," is an instrumental. Dr. Know plays a long, naive melody while Darryl meanders along with his bass. Bad Brains paints a perfect, idle world that "Shitfit" scorches with images of fascism and revolt.
"Leaving Babylon" has the same dreamy beat. Darryl and Dr. Know both sound like organs with their short staccato notes. Hudson idles with syncopated drum taps and carefree rolls. The three paint a perfect picture of paradise.
However, H.R. never says he is going anywhere pleasant. Instead, he's leaving a place where people starve, money runs, and he can't say or do a thing about it.
Bad Brains eclipsed other punk/reggae groups like Britain's The Clash. Plus, by becoming one of the few black punk groups, they paved the way for others like Living Colour and Fishbone.
Sadly, the Brains quickly spoiled into a tired metal act. Their debut album is not just their best work, it's the decade's finest.