From the very first moments of Snailbones’ music, I was immediately struck by the sheer audacity of their dissonant and chaotic sound. It was as if they had harnessed raw energy and unleashed it in a concentrated burst. The track “Mouse Clap” solidified my conviction that “Keelhaul ’em All” was going to be an album that resonated with me. It’s unique blend of aggressive instrumentation, unorthodox song structures, and fearless experimentation assured me that I was in for an exhilarating musical journey. That’s what I got. Songs with zero pretense and unfiltered release that creates waves of cathartic release over its length.
“Sweet and Serene” takes listeners on a journey through a sonic landscape reminiscent of bands like Soundgarden, evoking a nostalgic yet refreshing experience. The song starts off gently, with delicate melodies and serene vocals, gradually building in intensity and power. The explosive release unleashes a wave of energy, combining intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and impassioned vocals, leaving listeners exhilarated and craving more. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to masterfully craft a song that balances sweetness and intensity in harmony. The dichotomy is not easy to pull off.This track not only exudes a nasty, gnarly, and raw energy that resonates powerfully, but it also showcases the band’s undeniable talent and versatility.
While “Slave To Hate” was solid, it is “Floating” that emerges as a certified high point, combining infectious hooks, blistering guitar solos, and a relentless rhythm section that ignites an unrelenting fire within the listener. The band continues to establish their sound while not leaning onto any obvious influence. That being their music did feel like it could have been part of the “Seattle Scene”.
“Death Face” emerges as a standout infectious track within the album’s diverse repertoire. Its unmistakable early grunge influences blend seamlessly with a tantalizing hint of psychedelia, creating a fusion of sounds that were really well mixed. The song’s breakdown section, in particular, drew me in with its raw intensity and sonic exploration, leaving me more impressed than I already was. On the other hand, “Dissension,” clocking in at under two minutes, carries echoes of the Minutemen’s punk ethos. Its concise yet impactful nature embodies the spirit of punk rock, delivering a swift and unapologetic burst of energy that left me exhilarated.
The most unconventional song might be “Break Apart The Day.” I liked that they had two vocalists here. Last up is “Bury Me Now” which might be the most intense song out of the whole band.
This band is unfiltered and the emotions come through like that. There’s something about this band that makes us want to see music live. I found myself feeling like I was in the room with them. The production was perfect as well. Nothing in the slightest feels overproduced but you still hear every element clearly in the mixI think this music is best experienced live but listening to this album is the next best thing in my opinion. If you’re a fan of some of the aforementioned band’s I think you will love Snailbones. I certainly did.
Heather Savage