Inflammable Material

Stiff Little Fingers sound angry, and with good reason. Religious and political fighting has been a part of Ireland's history, and the violence that comes with it. "Inflammable Material" is the quintessential angry punk album. It's easy to see where a band such as Green Day took their lessons from, in particular their more recent politically charged albums, because Stiff Little Fingers have something to say, or more aptly something to yell over power chords and frenetic energy.

Songs such as "Suspect Device" and "Alternative Ulster" go down in the catalogue of great punk songs. With a constant, energetic barrage of power chords and the lead singer's throaty, in-your-face delivery, these songs still resonate even among those who haven't experienced the same exact things being sung about. "Wasted Life" is a harsh commentary on war and killing in the name of nationalism, and its impact is as relevant as ever. The songs on this album tend to sound the same after a while, which is easy when they all involve the same delivery and limited guitar playing, but the impact is in the lyrics and the energy. Some songs are somewhat forgettable, but the great ones retain their impact, and make "Inflammable Material" an important and memorable addition to the punk canon.