Mickey Mouse Is Dead
One of the most original punk bands to come out of the 80s anarcho scene were Wiltshire based Subhumans. They originally split in 85 but returned several years back to play the occasional reunion tour and remain a band not to be missed.
Tonight at Manchester's Star & Garter they play to a packed out crowd full of punks, the majority of whom are decidedly old school, there's not an emo fashion statement in sight! Straight from the first chords of 'All Gone Dead' it's evident that Dick Lucas's thoughtful lyrics remain as relevant today as they did twenty odd years ago and musically we're reminded straight away just why Subhumans stood out from the crowd.
The crowd at the front goes predictably nuts and although they are often quite violent in their execution it's all good natured with anyone who goes down getting hoisted back up immediately. The set list is like a greatest hits compilation with 'Mickey Mouse Is Dead', 'Apathy' and a superb rendition of 'Rats'. They are joined on stage by a female fan who provides accomplished vocals for 'Animal' whilst the crowd favourite 'Til the Pigs Come Round' gets everybody moving. As opinionated as ever Lucas still finds time to deliver his thoughts on various issues although he does seem to be somewhat frustrated and there's a sense at times that he's just going through the motions. It's a great performance from the rest of the band however with guitarist Bruce and bassist Grant displaying the kind of fretwork that built their reputation first time around.
It's loud, dark & sweaty and it's almost as if the 90s never happened as the wave of mohicans fly across the room. Everyone knows what the encore is going to be and sure enough they finish with the excellent 'Religious Wars'. Last year at the Thatched Tavern in Stockport Subhumans blew me away, tonight they don't have the same impact but let's put it in perspective; this is Subhumans and few other bands come close!