Live And Loud by Angelic Upstarts: A Riotous Blast of Punk Energy That Still Kicks Ass
Let’s cut straight to the chase—Live And Loud by Angelic Upstarts isn’t just an album; it’s a raw, unfiltered punch in the gut. Released back in ’88 on Link Records and Harry May Record Company, this record is like a time capsule stuffed with British grit, working-class rage, and that unmistakable Oi! swagger. If you’re into punk, hardcore, or even heavy metal vibes, this one’ll grab ya by the collar and refuse to let go.
The band brought their A-game here—Mensi’s snarling vocals are as sharp as ever, Ronnie Rocka lays down some seriously chunky basslines, Brian Hayes shreds his guitar like he’s got something to prove, and Max Splodge keeps everything glued together with relentless drumming. Produced by Bock & Gerrit (aka “The Dutch Connection”), the sound is tight but still messy enough to feel alive. You can practically smell the sweat-soaked venues they recorded this in.
Now, onto the tracks. Sure, there’s plenty of bangers on Live And Loud, but two songs really stuck with me after spinning this sucker nonstop: “Kids on the Street” and “Guns for the Afghan Rebels.”
First up, “Kids on the Street.” This tune hits hard because it feels so damn real. It’s not about fancy metaphors or polished lyrics—it’s about kids scrapping to survive, dreaming of escape while stuck in dead-end towns. The energy is infectious, with Mensi screaming like he’s lived every word. There’s no sugarcoating here, just pure frustration turned into fuel. When the chorus kicks in, you almost wanna grab your mates and start a mosh pit in your living room. Almost.
Then there’s “Guns for the Afghan Rebels,” which stands out for its sheer audacity. Back in ’88, how many bands were talking about global politics like this? Not many. The track rips through themes of rebellion and solidarity, blending pounding riffs with lyrics that make you think twice about who’s pulling the strings. Plus, the way Mensi spits out the words makes it impossible not to pay attention. It’s anthemic without being cheesy, political without being preachy.
One thing I gotta mention—the liner notes by Gary Fielding add a nice touch. They give you a glimpse into the world these guys came from, making the whole package feel more personal. And hats off to Porky for cutting the lacquer; the audio quality holds up surprisingly well considering the chaos they were probably dealing with during recording.
So yeah, Live And Loud is more than just another punk album. It’s a snapshot of late-’80s UK—a time when things felt both hopeless and hopeful all at once. Listening to it now feels kinda weirdly comforting, like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t changed much but reminds you where you came from.
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I could’ve sworn I heard “I’m An Upstart” three times on the tracklist. Maybe it’s intentional, maybe it’s a mistake. Either way, it fits perfectly. Because let’s face it, Angelic Upstarts have always been all about doing things their own way, rules be damned. Cheers to that.
