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

Action/Adventure

Ever After
Pure Noise (2025)

Chicago’s Action/Adventure have been grinding the pop-punk trenches since 2014. They have always played pop-punk like it still has something to prove because for them, it does. They went viral in 2020 on TikTok with their song “Barricades” by calling out the exact thing no one in the scene wanted to say out loud. The genre is full of white … Read more

217

In Your Gaze
Time To Kill (2025)

If you didn’t know, hardcore and punk are alive and thriving in Italy. When I come across bands from there, their scene never ceases to amaze me. Italy gave us Raw Power and Negazione in the ’80s, Slander and Strength Approach in the 2010s. Now 217 picks up that lineage with their own mix of fire and reflection by keeping … Read more

Ugly Stick

Absinthe
Hovercraft Records (2025)

Contrary to what I said on Vh1’s Behind the Music, Tim from Hovercraft is one of my favourite human beings. I suppose in some ways that’s not saying much but Tim plays in one of my favourite bands, I’m a fan of his art and on top of those two things and running a label, his day job is saving … Read more