| "She's So Control" by Drawer B |
| This Olympia, Washington trio brings an unadulterated DIY aesthetic back
to indie rock. Inspired by early eighties punk/new wave icons like The Go
Go's and X-Ray Spex as well as nineties underground luminaries like Slant
6 and Heavens To Betsy, the Subdebs play minimalistic indie punk with a
raw edge. Their name refers to all girls who are outcasts in the whole societal
debutante scene (i.e. the rejects, the punks, the brains, the tomboys, etc.).
The songs have angular arrangements with driving bass lines and jagged guitar
melodies. The dual female vocals are bratty and antagonizing: "I can write
a song using 2 notes/U can ask me how long I've been playing." Despite the
flippant subject matter of several songs the music has a dark tone that
is distinctly reminiscent of the early punk movement in England led by bands
like Wire and Gang of Four. This music is far less accomplished than those
bands, but that's the bulk of its charm. The melodies and harmonies reveal
an innocence and simplicity that cut right through the attitude to uncover
a knack for memorable and catchy pop songs. The Subdebs retain their charm
even when they get pushy most unlike some of their early nineties counterparts
like Bratmobile and Bikini Kill, both of whom disintegrated under the weight
of their own overbearing preachiness. The Subdebs flaunt their amateurish
musical prowess, but any way you look at it their songwriting has a timeless
and classic quality. This record could have been made in the fifties as
easily as today. You'll be singing along after a few listens. The production
has a sixties garage band feel thanks to Dub Narcotic's Calvin Johnson.
The songs are packed with catchy choruses, scaling guitar lines and jerky
rhythms that give them a punk edge. "Give It Up", "Don't Mess With Us",
and "No Good Man" are standouts that encompass The Subdebs' pure rocking
energy and panache. She's So Control is the type of record that makes it
easy to see how indie rock caught on in the first place. Review by Eric G. |