The Subways – The Subways

The Subways have stuck with pure rock since their debut album, 'Young for Eternity', and here is their fourth album, 'The Subways'....
The Subways : The Subways
7.0 Imports
2015 

The Subways : The SubwaysThe Subways have stuck with pure rock since their debut album, Young for Eternity, and here is their fourth album, The Subways. They stuck around though, and the music scene that needs energetic rock more than ever, is the better for it. Energy is always in their music, and this album is no different.

Since the ‘90s phased out punk, grunge influenced weird rock has been accepted, though today it is also declining in availability. At times this album almost invokes the Pixies, not in the weird angle, but in the noise. This is good, going full on Sonic Youth does not work for most bands, but a little more noise adds energy to solid musical construction. Even the Billy Lunn vocals can be like the Toadies, Art Brut, or Local H. Overall, the self-titled release is good rock for fans of the band, and stands out as an emotional effort for music lovers who just might not be exposed to it yet.

The album came shortly before drummer Josh Morgan missed a few of weeks after having stage fright and he is now back with the band. The Subways is straight up social rock. It begins with, “My Heart Is Pumping To a Brand New Beat”, which is really solid and grungy guitar work. “I’m In Love and It’s Burning In My Soul” continues their theme of sappy negativity. The next decent track is “Taking All the Blame”. Further on, “Dirty Muddy Paws” is solid and “Because of You (Negative Love)” is a sappy acoustic number, which the vocals may not quite live up to, but they do a suitable job.

From there the album becomes more wild and aggressive. “Petboy” is really weird, not bad, but just a rant about a relationship, “I don’t wanna be your petboy,” Lunn screams repeatedly. “Twisted Game” has interesting drums, cowbell a plenty, and riot girl vocals. “Black Letter” is messed up, but it might appeal to euro rock fans. “Is That Enough” surprisingly reels it back a bit in a good way.

Comparing it to previous albums, Young For Eternity, All or Nothing, and Money and Celebrity, The Subways is really similar. The Subways self-titled is a lot of just pure rock, with little room for polished vocals. Really though, the album is focused on social scenarios like in “Twisted Game” and sappy negative rock like in “I’m In Love and It’s Burning In My Soul”. Solid and not melodramatic, but not the next Dinosaur Jr. either.

The Subways – Because of You (Negative Love)

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