Bad Brains
Formed by guitarist Dr. Know, vocalist H.R., bassist Darryl Jenifer and drummer Earl Hudson in the early 1980s, Bad Brains are influenced by reggae and pure punk rage. At the time, these two influences were surfacing in U.K. punk bands, but the Bad Brains took it a step further and were pioneers at crossing the genres and bringing a manic energy never seen before.They managed to maintain an intensity and a sense of fury while switching gears from punk to reggae to punk. Darryl Jenifer and Dr. Know bring some of the most brutal and timeless musical jousts, and their interplay with Hudson drives the Brains’ energy and intensity. Vocalist H.R. and his vocal virtuosity continue unchallenged today. His dub-influenced delivery is sometimes majestic, sometimes bizarre, sometimes brutal, but always compelling— H.R. is clearly an innovative singer ahead of his time.
