Though there is nothing groundbreaking or especially distinctive in the brand of
punk
played by
the Subhumans
, the band is certainly not short on energy. Like
the U.K. Subs
,
take the standard guitar chords and snotty, life-sucks vocals and fashion them into sneering diatribes delivered at top velocity, even if
aren't quite as distinctive as
the Subs
at their best.
EP-LP
compiles the first four 7" EPs released by the band between 1981 and 1983, and as is often the case with first releases, the band sounds hungry and full of energy. While the band isn't exactly breaking new ground lyrically -- these are all society-sucks, the-world-hates-me songs -- and the music is somewhat standard-issue
, without any complexities,
are still capable of coming up with great melodies (like
"Animal"
) and an occasional witty line. Even the less distinctive songs are played brutally and efficiently, and there aren't any dead spots here.
is a great starting point to get to know
. ~ Victor W. Valdivia