Subversive
Label: Star Chaser Records - Nashville
Artists Genre: Alternative
Subversive is a four-piece band that hails from
Arlington, Virginia. There is no easy way to label the
music except to describe it as "prophetic words mapped
by dissonant guitars and held together by a raw,
invasive beat."
After nearly six years under different identities and
members, Subversive grounded itself in garage rock all
while moonlighting as the Narcolepts, Anathema, and
the Liberteens when original members, Paul Makarov and
Angelo Tsimaris, were still in high school. Though the
young group played shows at local clubs and bars,
Subversive never found its niche. Critics were quick
to define the band as Neo-punk, or even a trendy pop
band riding on the coattails of a receding Ska
invasion.
In 1996 (while the oldest member was only 16 years
old) they decided to release their first album,
"American Overdose." A corner piece of the future
Subversive style, the album encompassed the harsh
tones of a forgotten Seattle, yet added a hint of pop
to the mix. Such tracks as "Buzz" and "LSDefense" gave
the album deceptively sardonic lyrics and set Paul's
enigmatic poetry to music. "American Overdose", being
only an EP, was merely used as promotional material
for clubs and other bookings, but clearly became a
precursor for the band's sophomore album.
In September of 1997 Subversive lost their satellite
bassist, and for many months, the full slate of shows
was wiped clean as the band struggled to replace the
hole. However, in early 1998, at a local youth venue,
Angelo and Paul played sans bassist and the show
proved to be more than a success. A future member of
Subversive happened to be at that show and offered to
fill the void. Tommy Milosavich (a guitarist of the
Deftones vein) joined the band with his best friend
Pat Joria as bassist. Tommy and Pat quickly aligned
themselves stylistically and added a reverberation of
artful tones and rhythms.
After redefining the musical style, Subversive slowly
embraced a sincere fan base and has played many venues
with countless local acts. The four-piece recently
released their latest album, "Cryptically Yours" -
another offering of paradoxes and passion. Hopefully,
you will like what you hear as the music speaks for
itself.
 |
Top tracks from this artist:
|
