Alpha Sub – Alpha Sub (Album Review)

Today’s review features the new eponymous release by Alpha Sub. Punk. From Philly.

It should be noted that Alpha Sub has a popular slang meaning typically referring to an “alpha submissive female”, defined as a person that rejects popular opinion, yet is not afraid to assert her needs and desires. She finds happiness in submission, but only when done on her terms. “This form of submission is not about giving up control, but rather about willingly choosing when and where to relinquish it.” So basically, a rebel. Which is, of course, very punk. To rebel against society’s norms. Fuck the man!

From the band’s bio: “Alpha Sub started at the bottom and stayed there. Incorporating themes of economic disparity, conformity to religion, and general disdain for the ruling class, Alpha Sub is like a skater who found an issue of The Atlantic and a thesaurus at the skatepark. If you want a pop-punk anthem, harmonized shredding, or just some good punk rock, all with high-energy vocals that simultaneously make you think and spit out your drink, Alpha Sub’s self-titled debut album is for you.” Interesting.

So let’s have a listen …

The first song on the album is Alpha Sub, by the band Alpha Sub, on the album Alpha Sub. A quick one at only 1:18. Very punk way to kick off. “Try as you might you’ll never get above, you’re just the Alpha Sub!” Very punk. A reason to rebel. I really like the fast punk riff the band plays on this song. Catchy!

Two Handed Piss is about this size of his … well, you get the picture. Clever lyrics. Reminds me of early KISS. Complete with Ace’s solo.

Stepdad Goatee, another song about sex. She’s in the market for a “Stepdad Goatee.” Very punk vocal delivery. Very punk sound. I like the lead guitar in punk music. A lot of punksters leave it out, they shouldn’t.

Nobody is a great song. Very catchy right from the start. Great riff! Loving the bridge, and the intentional slow down, that goes into ghost vocals with the chorus hook, and quickly finds it’s way back into the main riff. Great writing, this tune. I love the vocal echo at the end of the song. Well done!

Fuck the Police! Very punk. Not digging the song as much though. An album cut. But you’ve got to give the band props for naming this song!

Proud Boy Buffet. It’s a very political message. Nice punk riff underneath. Straightforward lead guitar lines. A pacifist’s anthem.

Peaked in High School is about a girl who peaked early in her career. This tune reminds me a lot of Green Day, definitely the same energy and song structure. The lyrics are sort of funny, and rebellious. Love the “na, na, na na, na na na” followed by a fiery lead guitar solo to close out the song!

Loving the riff that kicks off Downhill Battle. Green Day with Black Flag. The lead guitar performance in this song is top-notch. Very well done. The bridge is interesting and kicks into a very energetic pre-chorus and chorus.

Soapbox starts out with a Ramone’s style mid-tempo riff. Very Ramones. Except the lead guitar solo is very melodic. The song envisions “A part-time revolutionary” on his/her “social media soapbox.”

Agenda has a very country-punk feel to it. Very tight guitar riffage. Sounds like Charlie Daniels fiddle, but being played on the lead guitar. Loving the riff. “Fuck!” A song about indoctrination of the news media. Very punk!

No Friends. Satirical. I’ve got no friends, I’ll be just fine. Starts off campy. But quickly gets into the punk. Reminds me of the Sex Pistols. Funny!

SCORE/Outstanding: Well, there you have it. This punk record is outstanding! If you love punk, you’ll love this album. The vocalist has got a really nice voice for this genre of power punk, very Billie Joe Armstrong. The songs are all interesting and I love the incorporation of a lot of very tasty lead guitar licks on this record. I can see why Philly loves this band! I do too. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]