Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's SNFU defined their nation's hardcore scene along with short-lived icons the Subhumans and fellow long-time punk legends D.O.A. Their first release for Cargo Records, Better Than a Stick in the Eye has all the speedy skate punk ("G.I. Joe Gets Angry With Human Kind," "What Good Hollywood") and pop inflections ("Postman's Pet Peeve") that SNFU used to build their impressive following. Vocalist Mr. Chi Pig sounds better than on earlier efforts as the tighter arrangements on this 1989 release fit his ranting, half-singing approach nicely. The frontman's lyrics get a little gooey on cuts like "Tears," and "In the First Place" but things never get too serious as the band stick to their punk formula of double guitar crunch and high-speed drumming. Better Than a Stick in the Eye captures the best hardcore qualities of SNFU with its diverse musical exchanges and imaginative accounts of the contrarian, ironic punk lifestyle. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide
