(Way) Above Ground in Allston

Neophyte British imports, The Subways, played Great Scott Saturday, December 3rd as Session #10 in the Fenway Recordings series, making a massive impact with their 3-piece barrage. With no more than 160kg (350 lbs.) shared between the band’s 3 members, The Subways impressed the packed house with maximum levels of energy and volume, thanks to the science of amplification and the miracle of sheer will. Guitarist/singer Billy Lunn was already standing on the kick drum midway through the band’s first song of the night.

Having been in the US for nearly one week, Billy, Charlotte (bass/vocals), and Josh (drums) plowed through their repertoire in about 35 minutes, taking brief moments between songs to express appreciation for the significant turnout and response. This bashful gratitude contrasted the volatility of their performance, with the exception of a couple slower moments in the set. The quieter numbers and youthful charm underscored a schizophrenic quality for a band so effortlessly endowed with hard-rock chops.

The comparisons are accurate: The Subways’ rise to popularity in the States should echo that of The Vines a few years back, and Billy wears his Nirvana/Oasis influences on his sleeve. Think NME, not Pitchfork. But their energy is authentic, and the playing was impressive given the amount of onstage activity between Billy and Charlotte. Given their youth and drive, time is one thing they definitely have to flesh out their influences and direction for a shot at longevity. With “Rock and Roll Queen,” the night’s closer, getting airplay on FNX and elsewhere, the US arrival of their album Young for Eternity in February should be quite anticipated.

Regretfully, Bostonist missed the start of The Twenty Twos' set, but the New York-based quartet seemed more than qualified for attention, bringing a tough attitude to Allston via The Stooges and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Contributed by Michael Walker; Photo contributed by DJ Carbo