Duke City Punk
“There Is No Exit Strategy” is the motto for Albuquerque based hard-core punk band Subvert. They have only been around for a few months but are ready to show the city what they are made of. They want to be heard and want to inspire people to chase their dreams as well.
The group consists of vocalist Sean Routt, guitarist Zack Luten, bassist Mike Walling, and drummer Casey Frew. Song writing and performing live are the primary focuses for this band. “I’ve always wanted to be a performer; I’ve always wanted to get my point across,” says Walling, “rather than just talking about it, telling people ‘this is how I feel’ I’d rather show them how I feel.”
Subvert has been together since spring of this year, but the four have known each other for years. “We’d all talk to each other in some ways” says Routt, “I know Casey and Zack have talked as far back as elementary school.”“I always thought Sean would be a good front man because of his theatre background” says Frew, “there are not a lot of people out there that want to be put into that position.”
Subvert’s main influences include Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Refused, Every Time I Die and NOFX among many others.
“The stylization that Tim Commerford plays with his bass is kind of where I get my influence on the bass” says Walling, “a lot slapping, a lot of pulling and heavy stuff.”
Frew says he doesn’t listen to specific drummers, but a variety of music ranging from reggae to death metal, although he does mention Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as one of his favorite drummers. Routt cites Dennis Lyxzén of the Refused and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem as his favorite singers.
Laten is influenced by classic rock artists such as Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen and Led Zeppelin; he also cites Jimmy Page as his favorite guitar player.
Although Subvert is classified as punk, they like to incorporate all styles of music into their songs. They don’t really look at what kind of punk songs they can write but what they can piece together as songwriters.
The latter is “entirely collaborative” among the quartet. “If you’re a song writer you can make anything,” says Luten. “You’re not tied down to any specific genre.”
They have five songs written so far in their catalogue, two of which entitled “Pink House White” and “Fuckansas”. Routt says that another song that they have written is a three song suite close to nine minutes long.
Subvert are looking forward to their upcoming shows at Winnings Coffee Company on October 3 and Belen Fest 2 on October 20. Belen Fest is a festival in Belen that will feature 20 other punk and metal groups, some from out-of-state.
The members of Subvert also have some advice for beginning musicians. They tell beginners to never give up on their dreams and play what is in their hearts. “Honestly, the best way to practice is to just play,” says Frew.
The group consists of vocalist Sean Routt, guitarist Zack Luten, bassist Mike Walling, and drummer Casey Frew. Song writing and performing live are the primary focuses for this band. “I’ve always wanted to be a performer; I’ve always wanted to get my point across,” says Walling, “rather than just talking about it, telling people ‘this is how I feel’ I’d rather show them how I feel.”
Subvert has been together since spring of this year, but the four have known each other for years. “We’d all talk to each other in some ways” says Routt, “I know Casey and Zack have talked as far back as elementary school.”“I always thought Sean would be a good front man because of his theatre background” says Frew, “there are not a lot of people out there that want to be put into that position.”
Subvert’s main influences include Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Refused, Every Time I Die and NOFX among many others.
“The stylization that Tim Commerford plays with his bass is kind of where I get my influence on the bass” says Walling, “a lot slapping, a lot of pulling and heavy stuff.”
Frew says he doesn’t listen to specific drummers, but a variety of music ranging from reggae to death metal, although he does mention Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as one of his favorite drummers. Routt cites Dennis Lyxzén of the Refused and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem as his favorite singers.
Laten is influenced by classic rock artists such as Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen and Led Zeppelin; he also cites Jimmy Page as his favorite guitar player.
Although Subvert is classified as punk, they like to incorporate all styles of music into their songs. They don’t really look at what kind of punk songs they can write but what they can piece together as songwriters.
The latter is “entirely collaborative” among the quartet. “If you’re a song writer you can make anything,” says Luten. “You’re not tied down to any specific genre.”
They have five songs written so far in their catalogue, two of which entitled “Pink House White” and “Fuckansas”. Routt says that another song that they have written is a three song suite close to nine minutes long.
Subvert are looking forward to their upcoming shows at Winnings Coffee Company on October 3 and Belen Fest 2 on October 20. Belen Fest is a festival in Belen that will feature 20 other punk and metal groups, some from out-of-state.
The members of Subvert also have some advice for beginning musicians. They tell beginners to never give up on their dreams and play what is in their hearts. “Honestly, the best way to practice is to just play,” says Frew.
Sources
All information provided by the members of Subvert
