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#subhumans #vinyl #vinylrecords
As the vinyl spins and the guitar strings vibrate once more, the fervor and rebellion of the Subhumans echo anew. After a hiatus spanning over a decade, these icons of the UK Anarcho-Punk movement are back, their voice as urgent and resonant as in the tumultuous 80’s.
Subhumans aren’t just another punk band. They’re a chapter in the storied annals of UK’s Anarcho-Punk history, nestled alongside legends like Crass and Conflict. In an era marred by Thatcher’s divisive policies, they emerged as beacons of resistance. Pigeonhole them as you like – Punk, UK82, Crusty – their vast appeal transcends these labels. Their rebellious spirit resonates with diverse audiences, making them a universal symbol of non-conformity.
Since their inception in 1980, Subhumans championed independence, releasing a series of raw and impassioned live and demo cassette tapes under their Bluurg label. Their music, a clarion call of defiance, stood the sands of time, with their inaugural LP ‘The Day the Country Died’ (1983) becoming an emblematic piece. Drawing from Orwellian themes, this LP, selling over 100,000 copies, underscores the dystopian undertones of their era.
By 1985, internal dynamics led to their disbandment, though not before releasing their paradoxically titled LP ‘Worlds Apart.’ Lead vocalist Dick Lucas continued to fan the flames of rebellion, first with Culture Shock and later founding the ska-punk ensemble, Citizen Fish. While the 90s saw fleeting Subhumans reunions, it was the dawn of the 21st century that heralded their more lasting resurgence, culminating in the ‘Live in a Dive’ LP.
Today, as we grapple with the divisive politics of Trump, the uncertainties of Brexit, and an ever-widening chasm between the haves and the have-nots, Subhumans’ messages from four decades ago are eerily relevant. Their new album promises to be a reflection on our times, a mirror to the malaises that ail our societies.
Subhumans are not just musicians; they are philosophers, rebels, and poets. Their return is not just about nostalgia; it’s a reminder of punk’s power to critique, challenge, and change. As we brace ourselves for their newest compositions, one can’t help but be excited and, more importantly, ready to listen.
