EP-LP
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, the Subhumans take the standard guitar chords and snotty, life-sucks vocals and fashion them into sneering diatribes delivered at top velocity, even if the Subhumans 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 punk, without any complexities, the Subhumans 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. EP-LP is a great starting point to get to know the Subhumans.