Negative Trend were ground zero for California punk. Formed in San Francisco in 1977, they shared the stage with other now-legendary bands such as Dead Kennedys, The Dils, The Avengers, and The Sleepers. Their sole EP first appeared in 1978 to reveal the shape of punk to come. "Black and Red" features guitarist Craig Grays nihilistic riffs and singer Mikal Waterss ominous battle cries. "Meathouse" is a hardcore anti-ballad to the Mabuhay Gardens, San Franciscos answer to CBGBs. The group disbanded soon after a brief sojourn with vocalist Rik L. Rik (F-Word), yet the break-up birthed even more maladjusted offspring. Will Shatter (bass) and Steve DePace (drums) formed Flipper, and Gray would go on to found Toiling Midgets (the first band signed to Rough Trades US label). One of the most sought-after US punk records, the Negative Trend EP made such an impression on a young Henry Rollins that decades later he reissued it on CD on his 2.13.61 imprint. Superior Viaduct and Subterranean Records are proud to make Negative Trend available again on vinyl in its original 7-inch format.