SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BAD BRAINS – OMEGA SESSIONS

BAD BRAINS
OMEGA SESSIONS
BAD BRAINS RECORDS

In 1997, Bad Brains released Omega Sessions, an EP that collected five demos that were recorded at the original Omega Recording Studios in Rockville, Maryland.  These sessions came two years prior to their seminal debut eponymous album. As a part of their ongoing remaster campaign, Bad Brains have released Omega Sessions (12″ EP), remastered and available on vinyl again. A fantastic peek behind the curtain at one of the most important and underrated punk bands ever at their earliest stages, which speaks to the enduring importance of Bad Brains and just how special the Omega Sessions is.

Opening with an early version of what would become their classic, “I Against I”, Bad Brains open Omega Sessions on an explosive note. Without the half-time, sludgy riff that opens the official studio release of the song, “I Against I” hits like a sledgehammer to the side of the head: relentless and out of nowhere. The band is unconstrained in their energy, something synonymous with the punk icons. The following song, “Stay Close To Me” is a breath of fresh air compared to the dense sonic assault of the previous song. “Stay Close To Me” is straight up reggae, something that may come as a surprise to anyone who is unfamiliar with Bad Brains; however, it is such a juxtaposing tone that made them the culturally significant tour de force.

“I Luv I Jah” follows on a similar note with an even looser island vibe. As the longest song on the EP, it shines for its simple structure that, despite its length, does not grow tired. There is a level of conviction and intensity in their performance, even when at their most laidback. The closing pair of songs, “At The Movies” and “Attitude” are straight up punk bangers. While both tracks are very similar to their official releases within the next decade, there is something especially exciting about hearing them in this early stage; the reckless abandon, particularly in the guitar solo on “At The Movies” is palpable, while “Attitude” feels as though it could fall of the tracks at any moment make for a strong conclusion.

Omega Sessions is a fantastic peek behind the curtain at one of the most important and underrated punk bands ever at their earliest stages. To hear a band so fully formed, especially with a sound as diverse that it would influence both early hardcore punk and reggae, at such an early stage is astounding. This level of chemistry in both songwriting and performance is a rarity, which speaks to the enduring importance of Bad Brains and just how special the Omega Sessions (12” EP) is.

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