Many bands will make an impression with their debut albums, but the sophomore album is perhaps more important, because its fate (with the record buying public) decides whether the band will continue to receive press and label support, or whether they will be dropped. This sizzling sophomore release solidified the
Angelic Upstarts strong standing in the punk scene, but it still wasn't enough to push them into legendary status just yet, and they were dropped from their label. "Never 'Ad Nothing," one of their best songs, starts the proceedings off in grand fashion. It was obvious that this was going to be a rambunctious listen, like their debut, Teenage Warning, but with better production. "Police Oppression," "Lonely Man of Spandau,"
the Clash-esque "King Coal," "Listen to the Steps," and the title track (a cover of the
Animals' hit) are slices of the
Upstarts at their most intensely melodic. The production is cleaner, but the venom, anger, and disillusionment are still there tenfold. Vocalist Mensi and guitarist Mond handle most of the songwriting chores, while the whole band makes enough noise to scare the holy you-know-what out of your neighbors. The Captain Oi official CD reissue features two bonus tracks, making this an even better buy than the semi-official versions floating around. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but there are plenty of fist-in-the-air anthems that continue to rock the punk world. Only two albums into their Warner Bros. contract, and the band was dropped. Never fear, because EMI was standing near! ~ Steve Schnee