Time Flies... but Aeroplanes Crash cover

Time Flies... but Aeroplanes Crash

Subhumans · 1983

19 min · 8 tracks · anarcho-punk

Urgent guitar riffs and relentless drumming underpin politically charged lyrics that encapsulate the anarcho-punk ethos of the early '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Get Out of My Way — The opening track sets an aggressive tone with its rapid-fire tempo and confrontational lyrics, epitomizing the rebellious spirit of the album.
  • →
    I Don't Wanna Die — A raw, visceral critique of societal norms, this track's relentless energy captures the urgency of youthful discontent prevalent in anarcho-punk.
  • →
    Work • Rest • Play • Die — This track critiques mundane existence through its catchy yet cynical chorus, showcasing the band's knack for melding melody with political commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong writing and pacing, embodying the anarcho-punk ethos effectively.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more contemplative pace.
  • Lyrics are delivered with a sense of urgency, often overlapping with the instrumentation to create a dense sound.
  • The final track features a gradual build-up that culminates in a chaotic finish, contrasting with the more straightforward structures of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • urgent bursts of energy
  • politically charged anthems
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • frantic pace demanding attention

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek mellow, soothing sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in October 1983, Time Flies... but Aeroplanes Crash is Subhumans' debut album, emerging from the vibrant UK punk scene. The band was gaining momentum after forming in 1980 and became known for their socially conscious lyrics and frenetic sound, marking a significant entry into the anarcho-punk movement.
Stylistic neighbors
Crass· Conflict· The Mob

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Get Out of My Way 1:05
  • 2 First Aid 2:00
  • 3 Word Factory 3:38
  • 4 People Are Scared 3:48
  • 5 Susan 3:04
  • 6 I Don't Wanna Die 1:26
  • 7 Everyday Life 1:30
  • 8 Work • Rest • Play • Die 2:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata