When it comes to punk rock’s raw, unfiltered essence, few bands match the visceral punch of Northern Ireland’s Stiff Little Fingers. Their new Singles 1978-83 double CD collection, a thirty-track behemoth capturing the band at their commercial peak, is a time machine back to an era when punk wasn’t just music—it was a Molotov cocktail lobbed at complacency. This set, compiling every A and B-side from those formative years, is both a nostalgic gut-punch and a testament to why Jake Burns’ outfit remain torchbearers of the genre to this day.

Disc one kicks off with the incendiary Suspect Device, a track that still feels like a clenched fist raised against boredom and malaise. Its razor-wire guitars and Burns’ snarling delivery set the tone for what’s to come. Alternative Ulster, a personal favourite, follows close behind—a three-minute manifesto of defiance that’s probably as relevant in 2025 as it was in ’78. The urgency of its chugging riffs and that iconic “grab it, change it” refrain make it a cornerstone of punk’s legacy. The inclusion of B-sides like ’78 R.P.M. and the coruscating Bloody Sunday showcases the band’s knack for marrying political fury with melodic hooks, while oddities like the live White Christmas reveal a cheeky streak that humanises their rage.

Disc two dives into the early eighties, where SLF refined their sound without losing their edge. Silver Lining, another standout for this scribe, is a masterclass in bittersweet optimism, its soaring chorus carrying a hope that cuts through the grit. Then there’s Listen, the collection’s crown jewel in my book—a track that balances introspective melancholy with an anthemic drive, proving SLF could tug at heartstrings as fiercely as they could storm barricades. Two Guitars Clash, with its muscular riffage, channels the spirit of punk’s early days while hinting at the band’s evolution, and Just Fade Away – which Jake Burns  himself nominated alongside Go For It as his fave single from the era – delivers a lean, mean shot of adrenaline that never overstays its welcome.

What makes this set essential is its unapologetic completeness. Every single, from the chart-climbing Straw Dogs to the sometimes overlooked Touch And Go, is here, offering a panoramic view of a band that never compromised. Burns’ voice—gruff, passionate, and unmistakably Belfast—remains the soul of SLF, while Ali McMordie’s basslines anchor the chaos with relentless precision. The digipack’s presentation is no-frills, much like the band itself, letting the music do the talking.

For fans, Singles 1978-83 is a treasure trove of memories; for newcomers, it’s a crash course in why Stiff Little Fingers are punk royalty. This isn’t just a collection—it’s a rallying cry, as potent now as it was then. Turn it up and let it burn.