Negative Approach

Negative Approach (commonly called “NA”) were one of the first hardcore punk bands. They are considered one of the pioneers of this genre, along with bands like Minor Threat, Bad Brains and Black Flag. Like most hardcore bands, they were almost completely unknown in their day. They are now idolized in hardcore subculture, considered to be one of the elite bands of the “old school” era, and continue to be a very influential band.

History

Negative Approach was formed in August 1981 in Detroit, Michigan by vocalist John Brannon, supposedly after seeing a Black Flag/Necros show. The first NA lineup consisted of Brannon on vocals, Rob McCullough on guitar, Pete Zelewski on bass and Zuheir on drums. Not long after, Zelewski was replaced by McCullough's brother Graham, and Zuheir was replaced by Chris “O.P.” Moore. The lineup of Brannon/McCullough/McCullough/Moore would remain unchanged until NA disbanded.

Influences,Personification of punk

NA's musical style was based on Detroit proto-punk icons The Stooges, British punk rock (especially Discharge) and Oi! music (Blitz, 4-Skins, et. al.), although from the start their sound and demeanor were considerably more aggressive and brutal than that of their influences. NA's brand of hardcore was savage and nihilistic, exuding frustration, alienation and rage. This was personified in Brannon, an intimidating and intense young man with a shaved head, piercing stare and belligerent attitude. His vocal style and stage presence set the standard for those that followed.

From basement shows to touring the country

NA's first gig was in the basement of Necros drummer Todd Swalla's mother's home. Soon after, they recorded a demo, and followed that up with an appearance on the Process of Elimination compilation 7” EP, released on Meatmen frontman Tesco Vee's fledgling Touch & Go label, named after his fanzine of the same name. The comp also featured the Necros and the Meatmen, among others. NA, the Necros and the Meatmen then embarked on the Process of Elimination tour. Though this “tour” consisted of a mere three shows (Boston, New York City and Washington, DC), it is cited as being a key event in the early spread of hardcore.

Recorded output

The first proper Negative Approach studio release came in 1982 with their self-titled 7” EP, also on Touch & Go. It contained some now-legendary songs such as “Can't Tell No One,” “Ready To Fight” and “Nothing,” which is considered by many to be the quintessential NA song. The quality of the recording is quite poor, but the performances themselves are powerful, and the record is now held in nearly universal high regard by hardcore fans.

The following year saw the release of the Tied Down LP, also venerated as a hardcore classic. While it mostly contains more of the same ultra-fast, angry music as the 7”, the band also branched out somewhat and included a plodding dirge (“Evacuate”) and a (relatively) mid-tempo rocker (“Dead Stop”) on the album.

Break up

The band fell apart in 1983 during their tour in support of Tied Down, playing their last show in Memphis. John Brannon went on to front the proto-alternative band Laughing Hyenas (with ex-Necros Todd Swalla and Ron Sakowski), and currently sings for Easy Action.

Discography

1981 Lost Cause demo
1981 "Lost Cause" on Process of Elimination compilation 7" EP (Touch & Go)
1982 Negative Approach 7" EP (Touch & Go)
1983 Tied Down demo
1983 Tied Down LP (Touch & Go)
1984 Rice City demo
1992 "Can't Tell No One" on Reagan Regime Review (Selfless) (a compilation of live tracks, released with the last issue of Touch & Go fanzine)
1992 Total Recall CD (Touch & Go) (discography)
2005 Ready to Fight: Demos, Live and Unreleased 1981-83 (Reptilian)