Negative Approach is an
American hardcore punk band, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1981. The band is considered among the pioneers of
hardcore punk, particularly in the Midwest region. Like most
hardcore bands,
Negative Approach was little known in its day outside of its hometown. It is now idolized in the Detroit rock underground and the
punk subculture, considered to be one of the elite
bands of the "old school" era, and continues to be influential.
Negative Approach initially broke up in
1984 with singer John Brannon moving on to the Laughing Hyenas, and later Easy Action, but the band has reformed as of 2006 and continues to tour sporadically.
Negative Approach's musical
… Read more style was based on Detroit proto-
punk icons the Stooges. Of the Stooges' guitarist Ron Asheton, John Brannon said, "So much of what NA stands for; our sound and lyrics were based on the
music which he helped to create." NA were also influenced by high-octane British
hardcore punk (especially
Discharge) and Oi!
music (
Blitz, 4-Skins,
Sham 69, etc.), 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, pessimism, and rage. This was personified in vocalist 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.
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