Live: Runnin' Riot Across the USA

Live: Runnin' Riot Across the USA is a pleasant look at a band at the peak of their comeback tour, playing energetic tunes for a buzzing audience. Half of the material is clear and nearly perfectly mixed in a club in San Francisco, while the other half of the record was sort of blah, coming from the legendary CBGB in New York City. Cock Sparrer still puts together a surprisingly good show, and their frontman, Colin McFaull, can still sing with sizzle and flair. The brute punk of the band is easily found in the group's aura both on-stage and in their earlier records. This live compilation features two of their smash hits during their prime, "Running Riot" and "Chip on Your Shoulder." The album does include flashes of thunder and a feverish attitude that's compelling enough to enlighten and turn on their hardcore fans.