G.B.H - Oh No It's G.B.H Again ( Rough Justice ) 12" Vinyl EP

- GBH is also known as Charged G.B.H.

Released in 1986, "Oh No It's G.B.H. Again!" marked a significant point in G.B.H.'s career. The 12" vinyl EP, released on Rough Justice Records, showcased a band refining its sound while maintaining the raw energy that had defined them as UK82 pioneers.

Historical Context:

By the mid-80s, the initial wave of UK82 punk had crested, and bands were finding their footing in a changing musical landscape. G.B.H., having established themselves as stalwarts of the scene, used this EP to demonstrate their staying power and evolution.

Musical Exploration:

"Oh No It's G.B.H. Again!" features four tracks that embody G.B.H.'s signature street punk sound. Fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and a driving rhythm section are all present. However, there's a noticeable shift towards a slightly more polished production, indicating a willingness to experiment within their established genre. The EP kicks off with "Malice in Wonderland," a rebellious anthem that challenges societal norms. "Lost in Fog" follows with its relentless pace and raw aggression. Side two features "Get Out of the City," a song about escaping urban decay, and "Company of Wolves," a darker track with a foreboding atmosphere.

Genre:

"Oh No It's G.B.H. Again!" firmly belongs to the street punk genre. However, the band's evolving sound hinted at a willingness to incorporate elements of hardcore punk and even hints of heavy metal.

Controversies:

G.B.H. had always courted controversy with their lyrics, and this EP was no exception. Themes of social unrest, disillusionment, and rebellion against authority were prominent, solidifying the band's reputation as outspoken voices of the punk movement.

Producers and Engineers:

The EP was produced by Chris Nagle, known for his work with other punk bands like The Exploited. Nagle's production helped capture the band's raw energy while adding a touch of polish to their sound.

G.B.H. (originally Charged G.B.H.) is a British punk rock band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. They were one of the key bands of the UK82 (second wave British punk) movement, along with Discharge, The Exploited, and The Varukers. Their music is known for its fast tempos, aggressive sound, and often controversial lyrics.

Early Days and UK82

The band's name, G.B.H., is an abbreviation for "Grievous Bodily Harm," a legal term in the UK. They began under the name "Charged G.B.H." after discovering another band was already using the name G.B.H. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Colin Abrahall, guitarist Colin "Jock" Blyth, bassist Sean McCarthy (later replaced by Ross Lomas), and drummer Andy "Wilf" Williams.

G.B.H. quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live shows and rebellious attitude. Their early releases, such as the EP "Leather, Bristles, Studs, and Acne" (1981), helped to define the sound of UK82 street punk. This sound was characterized by its raw energy, simple song structures, and lyrics that often dealt with social issues and working-class life.

Influence on Metal

While G.B.H. is firmly rooted in punk rock, their music has also had a significant influence on the development of heavy metal. Their fast tempos and aggressive sound laid the groundwork for thrash metal, and bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax have cited them as an inspiration. Metallica's James Hetfield has even called G.B.H. one of his favorite bands.

Career and Legacy

G.B.H. continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, maintaining their commitment to punk rock while also experimenting with different sounds and styles. While they never achieved mainstream success, they have remained a cult favorite among punk and metal fans.

Today, G.B.H. is considered one of the most influential punk bands of all time. Their music has inspired countless other bands and helped to shape the sound of both punk and metal. They continue to tour and record, and their legacy as pioneers of UK82 street punk is secure.