Insane, The

***Crucial collection of all studio works from this celebrated early 80's, politically incendiary UK punk outfit. Perhaps best known for featuring d-beat pioneer Dave Ellesmere of Discharge on drums, the Insane released classic singles on the Riot City and No Future labels. All tangential connections aside, though, The Insane sonically carved out a place in the early 80's UK scene somewhere between the po-faced anarcho outfits and their brash, street punk counterparts. Subhumans or Conflict may be apt comparisons, though The Insane had a certain charm all their own. Unfortunately, having never recorded a full length, this long overdue collection—complete with all singles, demos and comp appearances—serves as the greatest testament to the group's short lived, but fruitful existence.