Subhumans

Highly influenced by the Sex Pistols at the outset of their career, the band was formed in 1980 by Bruce (guitar/vocals), Grant (bass), and Andy (drums). Dick Lukas was recruited to take over vocal chores, and Andy was replaced by Trotsky in 1981. More diverse than the average hardcore band, the Subhumans mixed standard Pistols thrash with moody, textured pieces and the occasional reggae/ska number. The Subhumans began their recording career releasing 7" singles on the Spiderleg label, which were later collected on the EP-LP compilation. Switching to Lukas' own Bluurg imprint, the Subhumans began to widen their musical range with 1983's Time Flies but Aeroplanes Crash. Grant was subsequently replaced by Phil on bass. The next year's ambitious From the Cradle to the Grave was a sort of concept album/hardcore punk rock opera, while 1985's Worlds Apart proved to be their most musically varied release yet. Although the group seemed to be at its creative peak, it disintegrated soon afterwards; 29:29 Split Vision collected eight farewell tracks actually recorded after the breakup. In addition to running his Bluurg label, Dick Lukas formed the punk/ska band Culture Shock, and upon that band's demise, subsequently rejoined members of both his former bands in the ska-oriented Citizen Fish, which also features Phil and Trotsky.