 |
 |
| Subculture - From the garage to the streets (2004) Subculture's debut CD is the Maltese version of the late 70's - early 80's UK anarcho-punk music (which is still on to this day - real punk never dies), which initiated an anarchist / pacifist / animal liberationist movement sparked by DIY bands such as Crass, Conflict, Poison Girls, A Flux Of Pink Indians and several others. Subculture's music is all about choosing artistic means as tools to spread a message of peace, freedom, justice and equality. The issues covered in the tracks in the CD range from the horror and murder which is war (Casualties), anti-racism (Black/White/Yellow/Red), our complicity in the murder of people by allowing warships in our country (Listen to the voices), the injustice of having people drowning in riches while people starve (Hard to be happy), the sorrow of a mother of a murdered son (Bullets), the corruption of politicians and the silencing of dissident voices (Political fornication), animal abuse and animal rights (Captured from the wilderness), anti-racism and human experimentation while western governments turn a blind eye (Human germ), |
 |
| and looking for alternatives to a corrupt and unjust system (Alternatives). Apart from the social message, which is the main concern for the band, the music is quite innovative for our island, perhaps due to the different (but complimenting) influences of the band members. The end result is a rough and raw anarcho-punk style blending perfectly with melodious pieces, which bring to mind early Chumbawamba songs (perhaps it's Simone's voice which gives this impression). It also encompasses different punk styles with a hint of gothic and oriental melodies. Also, maybe it's just me, but the album seems to sound better as each song progresses to the next ...finally climaxing in a "Conflict-style" ending in the last track. But the whole is more than the sum of parts, and listening to the whole album sets you in a mood to actually do something to change the world you live in. Subculture is living proof that punk is a far cry from chaos and destruction and is all about black, white, yellow, red people who listen to the voices |
| and keep searching for alternatives to an unfree world, and showing a way of life that does not require bullets or bombs and leaves no casualties. Subculture is all about freedom for both humans and animals captured from the wilderness to be used and abused for profit. It's all about showing how political fornication is creating poverty and injustice on a large scale. It's about eliminating the human germ which makes people perform terrible acts on other humans for profit or ideology. And even though sometimes it's hard to be happy, Subculture's message is a message of hope...we can change the world if we make that extra effort. Start by buying this CD and play it to other people. It may change a person's life. Crass changed mine, Subculture may change yours! Kenneth Cassar |