Angelic Upstarts/Crashed Out                                                                                                                  The Dirty Dozen Split Release                                                                                                                                      I Hate People Records

This is one raucous, fist pumping, truly slam-worthy release filled with more than a few anthem-ready, shout along tracks. Both bands deliver stellar performances. For the price of one release you get two, I say two phenomenal EP’s that’ll send you to the front of the crowd to shout along, because damnit, these songs are nigh on irresistible.

Angelic Upstarts deliver “Red Flags,” Killing Machine,” the excellent “King of the Rats;” All memorable, upbeat, and energized tracks. The band hangs a neat left turn with the slower, quieter number, “Take Me toCuba.”

Crashed Out offer up “Kicking up a Storm,” “Get a Life,” and “Just Another Gig.” These are songs you’ll be singing along to by the time they reach the second chorus. With razor sharp guitars and growled vocals, everything about the band is as hard and tight as a prize fighter’s fist when it connects with its target.

Both bands owe a debt to The Clash musically with their straight forward songwriting catchy melodies and gravelly vocal delivery. “Cuba” and “Nazi B.N.P.” also reflect the political and musically adventurous side The Clash often displayed.

If you don’t feel like getting up and moving while this CD is playing, you must be dead. This is punk rock unconcerned with your feelings or if your girlfriend loves you or not. That sort of crap isn’t on either bands radar. Thankfully.