RECORD REVIEW: Carbonas

Nobody realized they needed a Carbonas 2xLP singles compilation until it arrived. Drop a needle on opening cut, “Blackout (Waiting to Happen),” and it feels as though the world has been asleep since the Atlanta punk outfit called it quits circa 2008. Your Moral Superiors: Singles and Rarities (Goner) documents a rowdy era for Atlanta music. Much of the tension lies between singer Greg King’s emotionally wrought delivery and drummer Dave Rahn’s focus on motorik repetition, transforming what could be basic punk songs into gut-wrenching epics of romantic angst. “(Your Love Is) Inside Out” and “Day Turns into Night” highlight a body of work that settles in between classic punk agitation and power-pop charm. When juxtaposed with the jagged D-side demos, an impressive career arc is revealed. With 37 songs, getting through the whole thing requires dedication; covers, like the Paul Collins’ Beat’s “Walking Out On Love,” don’t bring anything new to the table. Still, Carbonas relegated much of their strongest material to their 7-inches corralled here. “Butcher,” from the 2008 Euro Tour EP, represents Carbonas at their most refined. Until now, much of this material has existed only as demos and rare singles. Presented together here, Your Moral Superiors offers the definitive overview of Atlanta’s greatest punk band to date. ★★★★☆

Carbonas, Predator, Ryan Dinosaur, and Wash play the Earl Fri., Jan. 11. $20. 9 p.m. (doors). 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.

★★★★★ This album will change your life | ★★★★☆ A truly great album | ★★★☆☆ A solid effort, worth a listen | ★★☆☆☆ No thanks | ★☆☆☆☆ Don’t bother