Subculture Fred 12″

Among SUBCULTURE’s many claims to fame are having particularly sick drummer who went on the play in the SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS, being the tourmates of NOFX that christened Mike Burkett “Fat Mike,” and recording this tight little EP, which was left unfinished and unreleased until now. Rescued by the good folks at Sorry State, this six-song record from the North Carolina group was named in tribute to their late guitarist Fred Hutchinson, who passed away in 2023. Recorded in 1986, it showcases an evolution from their full-length album I Heard a Scream that was released in the previous year. Where the LP was rooted in classic SoCal style, Fred captures the band as they were morphing into more of a speedy crossover sound—a common progression of that era. It’s pummeling and punchy with a metal-y edge, but tunes like the goofy closer “KC’s Coming to Town” remind you that they were still the fun-loving punks you knew and loved. It comes with a big-ass poster and lyric sheet, and proceeds from the album will go to Hutchinson’s family.

• Reviewer Jason Harding
• Label Sorry State
• Issue MRR #501 • February 2025