NA's brand of hardcore was savage and nihilistic, exuding frustration, alienation and rage. This was personified in the band's vocalist John 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. NA's musical style was based on Detroit proto-punk icons The Stooges, British punk rock (especially Discharge) and Oi! music (Blitz, 4-Skins, et al.), although from the start their sound and demeanor were considerably more aggressive and brutal than that of their influences.
Negative Approach was formed in August 1981 by John Brannon and Pete Zelewski, supposedly after seeing a Black Flag/Necros show. The first NA lineup consisted of Brannon on vocals, Rob McCullough on guitar, Pete Zelewski on bass and Zuheir on drums. Not long after, Zelewski left the band to form The Allied and was replaced by Rob McCullough's brother Graham. Zuheir was later replaced by Chris "O.P." Moore. The lineup of Brannon/McCullough/McCullough/Moore would remain unchanged until NA disbanded.
NA's first gig was in the basement of Necros drummer Todd Swalla's mother's home. Soon after, they recorded a demo, and followed that up with an appearance on the Process of Elimination compilation 7” EP, released on Meatmen frontman Tesco Vee's fledgling Touch & Go label, named after his fanzine of the same name. The comp also featured the Necros and The Meatmen, among others. NA, the Necros and the Meatmen then embarked on the Process of Elimination tour. Though this “tour” consisted of a mere three shows (Boston, New York City and Washington, DC), it is cited as being a key event in the early spread of hardcore.
The first proper Negative Approach studio release came in 1982 with their self-titled 7” EP, also on Touch & Go. It contained now-legendary songs such as “Can't Tell No One,” “Ready To Fight” and “Nothing,” which is considered by many to be the quintessential NA song. The sound quality of the recording is average, but the performances themselves are powerful, and the record is now held in nearly universal high regard by hardcore fans.
The following year saw the release of the Tied Down LP, also venerated as a hardcore classic. While it mostly contains more of the same ultra-fast, angry music as the 7”, the band also branched out somewhat and included a plodding dirge (“Evacuate”) and a (relatively) mid-tempo rocker (“Dead Stop”) on the album.
The classic line-up fell apart in 1983 during their tour in support of Tied Down, playing their last show in Memphis.
Afterwards, Brannon assembled a new line-up with members Kelly Dermody (guitar), Dave (bass) and Mike (drums). This version of Negative Approach played a series of live shows throughout 1984 which featured some new songs, such as "Obsession," "Tunnel Vision," "Kiss Me Kill Me" and a cover of "I Got A Right" by the Stooges. This line-up can be heard on the Live at the Newtown Theater bootleg 7" and some live tracks recorded at Boston's Paradise club that appear on the Total Recall discography CD.
It was announced in May 2006 that Brannon and Moore would play a Negative Approach reunion show, of sorts, for Touch & Go's 25th Anniversary show on September 9, 2006, as well as two later shows in the UK - London on December 7 and at All Tomorrow's Parties on December 10. Despite repeated efforts by Rob and Graham McCulloch to be a part of the reunion and have the classic NA lineup play, John refused; it was instead announced that Harold Richardson (of Brannon's current band Easy Action) and Ron Sakowski (formerly of Easy Action, Laughing Hyenas, and Necros) would complete the lineup. Rob and Graham maintain that the appearance shouldn't be labeled as Negative Approach without the classic NA lineup. The whole affair has generated controversy, and there is little agreement as to who is in the right and for what reasons.
Negative Approach closed out the No Fun Fest in Brooklyn, NY on May 20, 2007.
Evacuate
Negative Approach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there's nothing left I can do
Gonna leave while I can
I'm gonna with or without you
It never used to be like this before
But it's something I just can't ignore
I'm gonna leave before it's too late
I've had it up to here with lies
I gotta make different plans
I'm already rotting inside
Seems like you'll never understand
It never used to be like this before
But it's something I just can't ignore
I'm gonna leave before it's too late
Erase my presence - evacuate
The song "Evacuate" by Negative Approach is a punk rock anthem about leaving a situation that has become unbearable. The lyrics describe the worsening conditions and the singer's feeling of helplessness in the face of the situation. The line "there's nothing left I can do" expresses the feeling of being stuck in a situation with no possible solution, and the decision to leave regardless of whether or not anyone else will come. The singer is determined to leave before their presence becomes a detriment to themselves and others, hence the line "erase my presence - evacuate."
The lyrics also express frustration with the lies that have led to the situation, and the inability of others to understand the singer's perspective. The line "seems like you'll never understand" suggests a sense of isolation and a lack of support from those around them. The urgency in the lyrics is conveyed through the repetition of the phrase "it never used to be like this before" and the repetition of "evacuate" at the end of every verse.
The song has a simple and repetitive structure, which emphasizes the urgency of the lyrics. The fast-paced guitar riff and pounding drums also contribute to the feeling of urgency and frenetic energy. Overall, "Evacuate" is a powerful punk rock anthem that speaks to the frustration and determination of those who feel trapped in an unbearable situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Conditions are getting worse
The circumstances are deteriorating and becoming more challenging.
And there's nothing left I can do
There's no use in attempting to change or improve the situation.
Gonna leave while I can
I'm going to depart at the earliest opportunity.
I'm gonna with or without you
Regardless of your presence or cooperation, I will leave independently.
It never used to be like this before
Previously, the circumstances were different and more favorable.
But it's something I just can't ignore
However, the current situation is too significant to overlook or disregard.
I'm gonna leave before it's too late
I will depart before reaching a point of no return or danger.
Erase my presence - evacuate
I will eliminate any trace of my existence and exit the situation completely.
I've had it up to here with lies
I'm fed up with being deceived or misled.
I gotta make different plans
I need to develop alternative strategies or courses of action to address the situation.
I'm already rotting inside
The effects of the situation are already damaging my emotional or mental state.
Seems like you'll never understand
It appears that you are incapable of comprehending or empathizing with my perspective.
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.