Subskin Cables

Subskin Cables first emerged in Boston, slithering out of the early-'90s gene pool that nurtured other noisy, independent-rock champs. But the shadowy quartet stood apart from its contemporaries by smearing trippy songs with wandering, quasi-Moorish guitar solos, creaky tape loops, and disheveled, after-hours vibes. The plaintive, poetic vocals and loose melodies of frontman Fernando Avila effortlessly blurred three decades of punk, post-punk, garage, and psychedelic goodness without seeming at all stylized or retro. Fast forward to now. Having long ago relocated to NYC, Avila proceeded to record a string of digital albums that brought the Cables into the present. Streamlining his patented approach with heightened wisdom and focus. Lucid production, confident singing, and sure-footed playing have replaced the ragged murk of yore, as unapologetic pop hooks and meaty choruses penetrate the miasma. The untamed, exploratory guitars of Avila and Mark Bannayan still spiral into infinity, but they do so with purpose and control, bolted to the solid rhythm section of bassist Aaron Keane and drummer Jojo Kuo. From narcotic racket to clear-eyed riff, the Subskin circle is exquisitely complete.