sst records. 065 / 10 tracks / 1987

D: instant/line records. incd 9.00231 / 1987

Both versions on LP and CD. US version has band name in green and title in orange, German version has band name and title in blue. Limited German pressing (Line) on white vinyl. Produced by Ron St. Germain.

This album marked an important and fundamental step in their career - no more high-speed hardcore; more emphasis on rhythms, vibes, and feelings. And as opposed to some of their records from the 90s, it’s really working here, and it’s definitely no dreamy emo record: the music is powerful, rocking and intense. A lot of people didn’t like this back then (and probably many people will prefer their earlier recordings even today), but if you want to hear a more mature, more melodic version of the band with reggae & soul touches, you need to hear this. [9]  

Mit Ron St. Germain haben sich die Brains wieder mal einen Top-Produzenten geangelt, und es gibt wirklich nur sehr wenige HC-Scheiben, die hier soundmäßig noch mithalten können. Musikalisch ist man bei einer Synthese der früher strikt getrennten Richtungen HC und Reggae angelangt (obwohl man insgesamt doch deutlich in Richtung HC tendiert); viel Energie und Feeling, fantastische Melodien, abwechslungsreiche Rhythmen, viel Atmosphäre… muss man einfach haben.

Tracks: intro / i against i / house of suffering / re-ignition / secret 77 / let me help / she’s calling you / sacred love / hired gun / return to heaven