1x***** (2 versions), 6x****
From the brittle opening riff of "Suspect Device" to the pedal tone of classic "Alternative Ulster", each song, for lack of a non-corny phrase, is a raging call to action, particularly "Wasted Life", "Breakout", and "Law and Order" - the comparison to the first Clash album is inescapable, though the sound of this album is completely different. This writer also has to compare "Johnny Was" to the jagged riffs of Gang of Four. "Barbed Wire Love" is silly but fun, and "Closed Groove" is a strange narration by a common household device, similar to some songs by Wire, but otherwise a relentless attack of bone-dry guitars and vocals screamed past the point of hoarseness, to tunes that will stick on your brain.
From the brittle opening riff of "Suspect Device" to the pedal tone of classic "Alternative Ulster", each song, for lack of a non-corny phrase, is a raging call to action, particularly "Wasted Life", "Breakout", and "Law and Order" - the comparison to the first Clash album is inescapable, though the sound of this album is completely different. This writer also has to compare "Johnny Was" to the jagged riffs of Gang of Four. "Barbed Wire Love" is silly but fun, and "Closed Groove" is a strange narration by a common household device, similar to some songs by Wire, but otherwise a relentless attack of bone-dry guitars and vocals screamed past the point of hoarseness, to tunes that will stick on your brain.
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