Review / 200 Words Or Less
Bad Reaction
Had it Coming

Reflections (2008) Michael

Bad Reaction – Had it Coming cover artwork
Bad Reaction – Had it Coming — Reflections, 2008

Had it Coming is my first exposure to Los Angeles' Bad Reaction, but apparently this recording is a CD version of their previously released 7"s Dare to be Dull and Plastic World, plus a choice cover.

Bad Reaction play fast punk influenced hardcore. All but one of the songs here end up under two minutes. As expected, that means the music is played fast. Their sound is characterized by upbeat basslines, galloping drums, and buzzsaw 80's inspired riffs. Matched with their intensity is vocalist Kash's spoken yells, very reminiscent of Minor Threat. Lyrically the songs revolve around the usual life issues, but with a sense of humor that lightens the mood. Tacked onto the end is a cover of Bad Brains' "Pay to Cum." The band does a good job with it as they highlight one of their key influences.

7.0 / 10Michael • June 16, 2008

Bad Reaction – Had it Coming cover artwork
Bad Reaction – Had it Coming — Reflections, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Tired Radio

Hope In The Haze
Red Scare Industries (2025)

I knew of Tired Radio, but I didn't really know the band's work. When Red Scare announced they'd signed the band, I figured it was a good excuse to dive in -- and I'm glad I did. Hope in the Haze is the title of their Red Scare debut and that title kind of sums up their general vibe too. … Read more

The Resinators

Recorded In 2005 By Jay Reatard
Independent (2024)

Interesting little slab we got sent to SPB by a Mr. Ed Young. Two originals and a cover, recorded in Jay Reatard’s living room back in 2005 as the title suggests. So that would be around the time of The Reatards’ Not Fucked Enough for anyone keeping track. Jay had apparently just switched from analog to digital recording but it … Read more

Various Artists

Bombs Away!
Rad Girlfriend Records (2025)

Split records have always worked best when they feel intentional rather than convenient, and Bombs Away! lands firmly in the former category. Bringing together East Bay veterans Tsunami Bomb and Oakland’s The Hammerbombs, this six-track split (three songs per band) doesn’t just unite two names but captures two complementary approaches to Bay Area punk that still feel vital decades into … Read more