10 Best Rock Bands From Ireland
4. Stiff Little Fingers
One of Britain’s most enduring punk bands, Stiff Little Fingers didn’t sound like they were built to last when they burst onto the scene. Raging out of Belfast, their debut LP “Inflammable Materials” is their angriest and most focussed collection, 13 songs from 1979 that dealt primarily with the Troubles.
They’re direct as you like on fiery tracks like “Suspect Device” and “Alternative Ulster”; vocalist Jake Burns sounds like his vocal chords are about to rupture as he squeezes every drop of hate and fury out of his lungs. Follow up Nobody’s Hero is just as furious, with the ironic, sneering “Fly the Flag" a standout.
Their initial period of four hectic years made way for a lengthy lay off, but since reforming they’ve been recording and, especially, playing shows non stop. They’re some of the stalwarts of UK punk and can be found playing festivals and their own gigs to old and new fans alike.
The band are less angry than they once were, but having channelled impossible times into creativity, they can post some of the best punk music the isles have ever heard.