CRUX / CRASH - Keep On Running E.P. / Fight For Your Life

Artist:  Crux / The Crash

Album: Keep On Running EP / Fight For Your Life

Year:  1982

Genre:  Hardcore Punk

In all the time I’ve spent jabbering on and on, I’ve never done a review of a split release.  No real reason for the lack of writing one up, but I only realized it as I was listening to the first side of this heavy hitter from 1982.  The two bands on this album were not super productive.  Crux has a compilation or two out there featuring 5-6 more songs outside of this record.   The Crash only have what’s on the flipside of this release.  I guess if you’re going to make solely one mark on the world, make it a good one.  That just what these two bands did.  Crux are a huge favorite of mine and are very reminiscent of Major Accident or The Magnificent.  They employ all the best elements of Oi! and street punk and hook you with either a catchy chord progression or shout-along vocal line.  Recorded in 1982, someone knew what they were doing because the production is top notch.  The Crash inhabit side B of this record.  They don’t exactly live up to the greatness Crux throw down, but it is no way a slouch of an outing.  The Crash are a bit more forceful and brash and wear the back alleys of England proudly on their patch-covered leather sleeve.  After 30 seconds of hearing a song, you know exactly what they’re about and what you’re going to get; straight forward, in-your-face street punk laced with piss and vinegar.  Like I said, it’s not bad at all, but it just can’t compete with the Crux songs.  This a great slice of early 80s punk rock.

Listen to "Keep On Running" here.

Listen to "Fight For Your Life" here.