Negative Approach “Ready to Fight: Demos, Live and Unreleased 1981 – ?83″ [Reptilian]

This is volatile hardcore punk done by skateboard enthusiasts out of Detroit, Michigan, circa 1981. Along with Maumee, Ohio’s Necros, Los Angeles, California’s Black Flag, Washington D.C.’s Minor Threat, and Lodi, New Jersey’s Misfits, Negative Approach helped define the abrasive hardcore sound that spawned a new generation and subsequent scene of punk music. This recording is a collection of early demos, live shows, and unreleased material from 1981 – 1983. The sound quality during their live performance is an atrocious mess, characteristic of the aesthetic attitude and D.I.Y. ethic of punk. The demo recordings are a little less garbled, and, overall, it’s a fantastic archive of the power and sheer energy behind a platform of raging personal politics and confrontational lyricism. It’s no wonder Negative Approach had to disband due to the increasing violence that was occurring at their shows. All songs are distorted & hyperactive sing-a-longs about being ready to fight, taking action, living your own life, and figuring out who your real friends and enemies are. John Brannon & company dispense virtually unparalleled scraping intensity on this excellent Reptilian Records collection. There’s cursing on damn near every track but it’s almost impossible to tell due to the explosion of unfiltered sound. AWESOME! And, the LP isn’t broken down into single tracks so keep an ear out for pauses between songs OR listen to the whole thing repeatedly and enjoy! 3WR: PUNK AS FUCK!!!