On The Talk's web stie their bio describes their music as "tastfully fast." It's hard not to agree that the Charlotte, NC group's debut "No, You Shut Up!" is fast, with 10 full songs in the miniscule total time of 25:35. However, within this relatively short record, The Talk establish themselves as the progeny of the UK Class of 1977 (i.e. The Buzzcocks, The Clash, etc.) Eschewing the Buzzcocks' flair for a tightly written punk song with pop sensibilities and the Ramones's speed, The Talk have the ingredients for one hell of a band.

It does have some great stand out tracks, like the single "Valentines Day" and my personal favorite "All I Do Is Love" especially, but as a wholethe album doesn't quite hold up to the greatness of its influences. This is partly due to the shortness of the album but musically as well, there are minor tendencies to stray into pop punk and "alt rock" territory that kill a lot of the power found within the strict "77 style" songs.

Ignoring those pesky little attempts to garner a mainstream audience, and they are few, this album is of quality. The musicians are all talented, particularly the drummer Hollcomb whose heavy beats are the driving force behind the band's best songs. With this offering, The Talk bleed '77 punk but keep their love of good melody at heart; quite nice for a debut.