Subhumans Live :: Wessex Scene Online

Subhumans Live

25th October 2008
Rik Sharma

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Nov 08 - The Ghost Frequency Live
Nov 08 - Sonic Boom Six Live
Nov 08 - The Stranglers Live
Nov 08 - Cyndi Lauper, Southampton Guildhall
Nov 08 - Foals Live

More by Rik Sharma

Dec 09 - Frank Turner at Winchester Guildhall
Dec 09 - Billy Talent at Southampton Guildhall
Dec 09 - Frank Turner
May 09 - NOFX: Coaster
May 09 - Propaghandi: Islington Academy

Punk Hits the Talking Heads hard on the 23rd Oct 2008

Opening with ‘All Gone Dead’ and never relenting before the inevitable, powerful conclusion of ‘Religious Wars’, the night belonged to the Subhumans. The support acts were all pretty solid but none of them hugely memorable; and the fans in the venue were not there to be won over. That happened years ago; they were there to appreciate the Subhumans. As Dick, the lead singer, paused before the third song, ‘It’s Gonna Get Worse’, to comment that they were told they were pessimistic when they wrote it, but look now – it got worse – the crowd responded with knowing laughter.

It is to the bands credit that they didn’t just play their tracks to the happy fans and leave; there was often banter between the band and the crowd (enhanced by the lack of any gap between the stage and the fans in the Talking Heads) and they introduced their tracks with the vigour expected from such a well-renowned anarcho-punk band. Perhaps though, the dedication from the fans came about from the sheer exertion always on display from the Subhumans.

With a band with such a large back catalogue, it was always going to be difficult to play every song anyone wanted to hear, but they always find time for the classic ‘Subvert City’, ‘Waste of Breath’ and the outstanding animal rights song ‘Evolution’. Some of the best songs on the night were the newer track ‘Internal Riot’ and also the older ‘Reality Is Waiting for a Bus’, from the oft underrated ‘From the Cradle to the Grave’.

The band touches on many topics in its 21 strong setlist, from the aforementioned animal rights, to CCTV, religion, the futility of peoples’ labels in society, amongst others and somehow by the end of it leaves the crowd wanting more.

The Subhumans are even better live than on record, because the power of their work is conveyed better on stage; if you like your punk hard, fast and with meaning, apply here.