When Inflammable Material was first released, Northern Ireland had been in the midst of absolute chaos for years, due to sectarian divides. In Irish music of the period, bands from the province always seemed to steer clear of any mention of the violence and bloodshed as though it was just how life was and nothing could be done about it. So, when Stiff Little Fingers released Inflammable Material, there was something almost seditious and revolutionary about the brutal and stark manner in which the bitter conflict was brought to the foreground. This album more than compliments the mood a of country on the brink of civil war, it spoke for thousands of kids who felt they weren’t aloud to acknowledge the terror that was unfolding before them.
The Fingers' approach is strong, but limited; what distinguish them is their incredible drive, boisterous power and uncompromising anger. This record leaves a lot to be desired (which was never really delivered on later albums), the song structures aren't incredibly sophisticated, and the band play like fucking punks. Which translates to no musical skill, but what they lacked in skill they made up for in attitude. Despite all that, the band comes hauling ass through the station, not stopping for anybody or anything. "Suspect Device" is the best-known and also best song here. “Law and Order" and "Alternative Ulster" are also amazing. In fact, most of the tunes here are good. Tracks like "State Of Emergency", "Law And Order", "Alternative Ulster", "Suspect Device", "Wasted Life" and "White Noise" blast through on waves of hatred and persecution that are difficult to stomach but hit the bullseye with impeccable accuracy. The lyrics are seething with rage and venom, delivered by Jake Burns, who is always screaming at the top of his lungs, yet never forgetting the importance of ripping a sturdy melody on his gee-tar. The downside is that over the course of an album, the Fingers' lack of stylistic variety may have you skipping tracks. The Clash was a great band because they covered a lot of musical territory brilliantly; the Fingers are simply a really good band because they only do one thing, but they do it fucking well. Rightly so, they are considered a punk classic.
-King Funclor in effect
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