NEGATIVE APPROACH
Formed in Detroit in 1981, Negative Approach became one of the most influential hardcore bands in its short initial life. Frontman John Brannon is a maniacal howler leading the band into bursts of bombast, with most songs clocking in at less than two minutes. The group's hardcore masterwork, if there is such a thing, is the 1983 record Tied Down, an essential mile marker of American Midwest amped-rock. After Negative Approach disbanded in the mid-'80s, Brannon formed and fronted the ferocious noise-blues of Laughing Hyenas, an underappreciated outfit that lasted a decade. Brannon reignited Negative Approach a few years back to help celebrate the legendary indie label Touch & Go's 25th anniversary. There's been no drop in the volume of Brannon's guttural crooning over the 30 years of chewing up mics. He hasn't received the type of post-hardcore adoration clocked by contemporaries like Henry Rollins, but Brannon marches on sparring along with guitars, making angst-fueled rock in its rawest form. Also on the bill: The Casualties, Havok, Meat Group and Biggy Stardust & His Wretched Hive. $15. Oct. 20, 8:30 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494.