Back in 1979 a second generation punk band from Belfast released an album called Inflammable Material on a small indie label called Rough Trade. As befitting a band from such a troubled part of the UK, the song were full of bitterness and rage at both the political establishment and the paramilitaries on both sides who were tearing their home apart. It sold bucket loads, and began a career which is now in its fourth decade.
Stiff Little Fingers had arrived, and have always had a very loyal and solid fan base. And so a couple of years ago, they decided to try and crowd fund and new release.
No Turning Back is the result, and it really is something special.
As you might imagine, it focusses to a large extent on the political and social. The opener, Liar's Club being an example. But on this album the themes are much broader. My Dark Places is an honest account of singer Jake Burns' battle with depression Other themes covered are child abuse (Guilty as Sin), dog eat dog attitudes (One Man Island), And an admission that middle age has caught up with them, but that their desire to see a better world should be passed to a new generation. (When we were young).
Stylistically, the album has a very American feel to it. This is not surprising as Jake Burns has lived in the US for a number of year, and it was recorded in California.
It resembles by turns Green Day's American Idiot, and Give 'em Enough Rope by the Clash.
But what surprises the most is the sheer passion and enthusiasm which has clearly gone into it. Jake's voice has lost none of its throaty snarl, and long standing bass player Ali McMordie plays like his life depends on it, as does Ian McCallum on rhythm guitar and that other stalwart Steve Grantley on drums.
And it is clear that this is a band that still have a lot to say, and are as keen as ever to document and to comment on life as they see it, with a clear sense of compassion and almost journalistic zeal.
No Going Back then should give us hope. That Music is still a force to be dealt with. That it is not just for the young, and nor is it purely a form of mindless entertainment.
A worthy new album from a band from whom we expect a high level of integrity and honesty.
