Subliminal Sabotage is an aptly named force of nature.

Their infectious mixture of beats and rhymes attacks the soul below the threshold of conscious perception.

Their sonic fury sets its controls for the center of your mind, deliberately subverting everything that you thought you knew about the urgency of rhythm fused with the power of the spoken word.

Hip Hop is alive and well in Humboldt County. Sub Sab is here to make sure that it stays that way.

The group's DNA is an ultra-magnetic marriage of live instruments and tight flows.

Sub Sab's music is born from a cornucopia of sound where guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and horns intermingle with the nimble verbal virtuosity of three of the best MC's on the North Coast.

They are a virtual army of musicians.

Creating the sonic foundation is Nucleus, a live band that's been a part of the North Coast rock 'n' roll scene for the last seven years. Piet Demolition coaxes exotic sounds from his guitar as P.C. keeps the rhythm thunderously alive at his drum kit. Steve Webb makes sure the groove never leaves the stage on bass while B. Swizlo adds a zesty blend of funk on keyboards.

Sub Sab's full and rich sound is rounded out by propulsive percussionist Galen Davis, Chris Noonan who wails on the saxophone and flute, Mike Lee rocking the cello (yes, you read that right...the cello), DJ Just One works his turntables into a frenzy as hype man Berel Alexander ignites each chorus with his own brand of rampant energy.

These elements alone make for an eclectic and towering tour de force. But Sub Sab isn't complete without its MCs.

On the microphones is a triumvirate of lyrical fury from Elision, MikaSun and MCP (Emcee Problematic.) Each energetic wordsmith wields their own unique voice which culminates in a barrage of intelligent and mind-blowing lyrics. Elision (a veteran of the legendary Humboldt County Freestyle Kings crew) typically gets the party started. Part carnival-barker, part rapid-fire conscious rapper, Elision is a student of all styles of flow.

MikaSun--once a mere background supporter, now turned enigmatic front man--adds his deep baritone and deep observations about life and politics to the mix. MCP--gravelly, grimy, and always compelling--brings a frenetic style that mixes quick-witted couplets and vivid storytelling.

Subliminal Sabotage is a complete sonic package.

"When you walk into one of our shows and see ten to fifteen people onstage--it can be pretty overwhelming," says B. Swizlo, who is not only the man behind the keys but he also oversees the mixing boards in the studio. "At first, you might think you're seeing a bunch of dudes up there just going crazy--but really, what we are is a live Hip Hop orchestra. If you come to our show, you'll be bouncing."

When confronted with the inevitable stereotype of being a Humboldt Hip Hop outfit, Swizlo is very cool-headed about it.

"We've taken the jam sound and melded it with Hip Hop." B Swizlo said. "Our sound encompasses the whole spectrum: Rock, jazz, blues, funk, R&B, Hip Hop. We aren't trying to get on MTV. Most people would simply think we're a bunch of white boys who are just talking about weed, but we're more than that. We live the Humboldt lifestyle; we are a part of the community. Our songs focus on a lot of emotional and social issues--relationships, politics, the erosion of the environment. We've been lucky to be here and see hip hop grow -- that's been a big thing for us."

When Sub Sab takes the stage at Humbrews, you won't be standing around for too long. Their set is filled with a lucid energy that will inspire plenty of head-nodding and fits of funky dancing. Expect a few surprise guests to join in on the fun, including local legend Garth Cultivader, a friend and collaborator.

You will definitely be bouncing until last call.