Last Wednesday Sept 7, Seattle’s legendary Crocodile Cafe hosted a night of punk rock featuring Britain’s Subhumans.
Subhumans didn’t come on stage as much as they ignited it. Front man Dick Lucas flitted about the stage like a lit firecracker, standing in one place no longer than a second or two. He didn’t sing as much as he shouted out lyrics with a left wing leaning. Within minutes sweat dripped from him and soaked through his clothes. Many in the audience knew most the songs and shouted along. I was shoved and jostled in every direction almost non stop and felt fortunate the stage divers did their acrobats to either side of me so no dodging was required on my part on that front.
When the Subhumans the stage a smoldering wreckage, the packed crowd yelled repeatedly, One more song, oi! When they returned to raucous cheers, Dick made a crack about jet lag, quoting the old joke, “I just flew into Seattle and my arms are tired.” He gave his arms a flap before the band lit into a few more songs.
By the time the evening was over I was sure I’d need a spinal alignment from being crushed against the stage so many times. My only complaint would be that they had an invisible drummer. Either he was short or the stool set too low, but he was completely hidden by the kit. When I go see a band I like seeing the whole band. But this is a minor complaint. This show was pure oi punk and I loved every minute of it. Besides the aforementioned Dick Lucas, Subhumans are comprised of Bruce Treasure on guitar, Phil on bass and (the invisible) Trotsky on drums.
Preceding the Subhumans was a band from Oakland (though singer Roadie had a very distinct British accent) called Kicker. The aforementioned Roadie (named because he started in the business as a roadie for various punk bands) wore his hair in spikes all over his head, like a human porcupine. He also wore a t-shirt with the words I Still Hate Thatcher. He strutted about the stage half sneering and half screaming, often leaning into the crowd while shouting out the songs. Meanwhile bass player Dave moved about including several kicks and leaps. These guys totally ripped up the stage and I could already feel my spine get out of alignment from all the moshers crashing into me. Meanwhile drummer Jon (who wasn’t invisible) slammed away with vengeance.
Starting the night was Raukous and they should change their name to Rock Us because that’s just what they did. This California punk trio were punk to the max (except they had a lot of hair including facial hair). They even got a good circle pit going. Raucous are, Eric Etcher- Guitar, Vocals Max Camp- Bass, Ryan Hadley- Drums.
Another night of wild punk and I survived.
All photos property of Holly Homan. All rights reserved.
Subhumans
