My favorite black punk influences

By Grace Wartman 

Music Journalist 

The music industry as a collective wouldn’t be where it is today if not for the endeavors of many brilliant black talents. This can be seen in all facets of the industry and is evident across all genres, and their efforts deserve to be acknowledged and applauded. Punk-rock is a prominently white genre, but most people do not realize that this genre, along with many more, was pioneered by black artists. With that, here are three of my favorite black punk bands.  

Bad Brains 

What I would give to be in a Bad Brains mosh pit in the 80s. Starting off with speed and high energy, this D.C. four-piece is considerably one of the pioneers of punk rock. Their first two records are their most popular, a rarity seen in the music industry and appear on the favorite albums list of big names such as Kurt Cobain and Lee Spielman. Their discography shifts from pure angsty, chaotic punk to a more summery feel with a reggae sound while still utilizing their cool trademark punk feel. Summer-sounding or not, they’re still bringing the heat with scorching guitar riffs and insane drum fills (my forearms burn just listening to drummer Earl Hudson’s run in “Sailin’ On”). 

Death 

Preceding Bad Brains and the birth of punk, there was Death. With a sound heavily influenced by groups such as the Stooges and New York Dolls- who even said that Death reminded them of their younger selves- they made the genre shift from soul/jazz to punk in 1975 after attending and being inspired by an Alex Cooper show. Although they’re rather forward-thinking with some of their artistic decisions, Death’s music encapsulates the energy of the 70s and gives fans a listening experience so true to its time that it allows them to vicariously live in that era, which I believe speaks highly of their musical savvy and creative approach. They bridge the gap between soul and punk by balancing elements from both genres, such as longer drum fills like the one heard in “Let The World Turn,” more-developed bass riffs -that are soulful in taste and rhythm, but I think contribute to their progressive punk-ness- and alternating between whole note to half note tempo changes as songs weave between their verses and choruses. Death sounds kick-ass through and through in their discography, and their work is incredibly ahead of its time in terms of genre range. 

Pure Hell 

Another group amongst a long list of bands that make me wish time travel was real! This Philadelphia four-piece takes the title of the first Black punk band and boy do they do that label justice. Pure Hell wasn’t together for very long and their discography is limited to one 15-track album. As much as I would’ve loved more music from them, their impact is remarkable considering that it was one made from a single LP. Everything about their sound is punk-perfect; each member of their band possesses an insane amount of musical talent, and they worked together as one sound mind-blowingly well. This is not a group of passable musical skill but an assemblage of legit talent and listening to their work is nothing short of electrifying.