Sub Dio Release Self-Titled Debut EP

Temperatures are soaring on the East Coast so why not add to the heat? The self-titled debut by Sub Dio is streaming a day early at New Noise Magazine.

If you’re not familiar with the band let’s get you up to speed. Sub Dio consists of a lot of familiar faces from the Bay Area punk scene. Featuring former members of Great Apes, The Ghost, and Reunions, the band plays a brand of punk/hardcore that is rooted in urgency and aggression. Their self-titled debut releases July 19, via Underground Communique Records & Side With Us Records. Take a few minutes to digest their five song EP which delves into issues surrounding prison reform, mental illness, immigration, the homogenization of the Bay Area, and the incessant and oppressive predatory behavior that many men exhibit.

STREAM: SUB DIO

Consistency is not your average compliment in punk rock, but it’s been the hallmark for one East Bay native songwriter for over two decades. The debut EP from Sub Dio opens the next chapter in Brian Moss’ musical story. It’s unceasingly consistent quality will feel familiar to anyone who’s heard his prior bands Great Apes, The Ghost, Olehole, and Hanalei, even though the resulting sound is something new.

Family is the other throughline in Brian’s bands. They form with friends who gather at shows and often have history together, seemingly so effortlessly it feels obvious to see them on stage together. In Sub Dio, those friends are Danica Von Hartwig on lead vocals, Shane Hendry (Reunions) on drums, Ryan Marshall (Great Apes) on bass and Danthrax (Burial Year, Quest for Quintanaroo, and Olehole) on guitar, replacing Rob Carter (Great Apes), who appears on this recording.

This EP includes five aggressive songs that set an urgent and relentless pace that pull you through from start to finish. The anger fueling Sub Dio’s lyrics are inspired by Danica’s work as a Bay Area social justice lawyer and time working to end mass incarceration and the criminalization of poverty. Brian’s history of thematic lyrics have always brought a unique feel to his songs, which are also undoubtedly influenced by his job as a South San Francisco middle school teacher.

Brian and Danica trade vocals to create a powerful audio counterbalance between her fierce screams and Brian’s guttural yet melodic voice. The way each vocalist occupies completely separate spectrums while still melding together in a unique way bring to mind early Fugazi records.

Like all of our releases, we cannot wait for you to get to experience these songs for the first time as they work their way into your brains. Both labels have long histories supporting Brian’s bands which further underscores the family approach to this release.