Youth Brigade

"All Style" (the opener on the comeback Happy Hour LP, with the band readopting its old name after some ineffectual records as the Youth Brigade) is a melodic corker, with that rare and appreciated sociopolitical lyrical commentary from singer Shawn Stern, and fired-up spitting guitars. The big chorus will take over your head and remind you why you loved punk once all those years ago (or got into it recently), though in 1994 it sounded more like good old sweaty rock & roll than any '70s/'80s species. The B-side is a reissue of the band's 1983 Sound and Fury favorite "Sink With California," the original recording dredged up here for its then current relevance, what with riots, fires, mudslides, and earthquakes. Accordingly, 50 percent of the proceeds from this were donated to Earthquake Relief organizations. "We'll sink with California 'til it falls into the sea." Sure, just as long as you keep releasing great records until the big splash. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, All Music Guide