Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Peter118 are a punk band from Stoke-on-Trent led by Peter Szczepanski who, against all the odds, have built up a following in the UK, USA and even Japan. They have now been signed by California's Raven Faith Records and this 14-track compilation represents the best of their output so far, including their so-catchy "Radio" which kicked the whole thing off for the band, "Need You More" featuring Lisa Cox and a track where Pete admits he doesn't drink anymore but now follows Jesus. As a value-for-money bonus this Best Of comes with a second CD, a live recording made at Harvey's House Of Rebellion where many of the songs on 'Anthology' are featured, including the rousing closer "Perfect King". What is impressive about Peter118's vocals is that, unlike some of the Californian Christian punk bands, they never descend into shouty unmusicality and similarly the playing from the various Peter118 line-ups on this set is always tight with good production values. Now admittedly, a punk album, let alone a double CD album with its similar careening tempos and melody lines, can be a little wearing to listen to at a single go unless you're a pogo-ing pumped up punk protagonist. And I found the sleeve a tad confusing. The newspaper montage looks authentic but the designer has left the front sleeve looking like this set is called 'Can A Christian Band Make It In The World Of Punk Rock?' But then again, this impressive compilation brings forth an affirmative response to that question.

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