This 2004 version of
The EP Compilation joins Burning Heart/Epitaph's digipack reissues of
Shape of Punk to Come and
Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent.
Refused sounds better than ever thanks to remastering, which has amplified the recording's overall levels and clarified its elements. Highlights like "Circle Pit," "Refused Are Fucking Dead," and "New Noise" ring with newfound fury, while the traditionalist hardcore of 1995's Everlasting EP -- including "Sunflower Princess" and "Symbols" -- has lost none of its urgency. While
Refused was respected and even revered in its day, the group has gotten a reputation as the go-to influence for a new generation of post-hardcore and emo foot soldiers. Burning Heart/Epitaph's remasters are the official and best representation of that legacy. ~ Johnny Loftus