A power-pop trio heavily influenced by the Beatles, the Who, Elvis Costello, the Kinks and Tom Petty. Chris Richards & the Subtractions major in harmonies and melody, but their lyrics are what drive the band. The band's architecture is at the core the British invasion of the '60's, with some '80s / '90s indie guitar rock mixed in with enough Power pop hooks to fill a tackle box.
Chris (lead guitar, vocals and songwriter) has been part of the Detroit music scene since the early '80s and has previous bands (Hippodrome late 80's and the Pantookas- early 90's) have achieved world wide acclaim in the realm of Power Pop. Hippodrome won the Metro Times Music Award in 1989 as "The Band Deserving Wider Recognition" as well as multiple "Songwriter Deserving Wider Recognition" nominations. The Subtractions were formed in early 2003, who consist of previous band mates Larry Grodsky on drums (from the Pantookas) and Todd Holmes on bass (from Hippodrome).
The band has performed at various music festivals such as the Metro Times Blowout and International Pop Overthrow (IPO) in both Chicago and Detroit. The have played locally at numerous clubs including the Magic Bag (Ferndale), the Belmont, Smalls & Paychecks (Hamtramck), and the Hard Rock Cafe & Jacoby's (Detroit).
"We are all about songs dripping in melody and delivered with a Punch!. The simplicity of power-pop makes it very endearing to us."
Mystery Spot (2004)-All Music Guide 4 1/2 stars
"Hmmm, power plus pop....If you dig Falkner, Sweet, Keene, or any of the other giants of the power pop continuum, you need to seek this record out."
(Tim Sendra)
"13 knockout melodies and harmonies sweeter than dried mango, it's little things like that downplayed wash of backward guitar on "Don't Forget About Love" and "Is There Anybody Else?" that sinks its hooks in immediately with a charging guitar riff and backs it up with a massive chorus." (Joe Tangari, Pitchfork)
"few do this sort of melody/harmony/jangle thing these days as well as Richards does" (John Borack- Amplifier Magazine)
Diabetic-coma inducing power-pop done with ear-curling skill ... (Detroit Metro Times).
Would you like to contact the band or for Booking Inquiries;
Contact Justin Hoss; Kid Action Management [email protected]
Contact Chris Richards; [email protected]
