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Lucy Gray

EP Review: The Snuts - 'Mixtape'

Lucy takes a look at the latest EP from Scotland indie outfit The Snuts.


The record opens with previously released track Fatboy Slim, a rough-around-the-edges indie rock track, with some red herring rhythmic beats. Perhaps this is a homage to the man in question, but it certainly provokes an interesting opening to the record. The immediate opening to the song doesn’t do justice to the unbelievably catchy group vocals during the chorus, as well as the mixing pre-chorus, so it’s worth noting that this track’s most notable elements are appreciated after a little patience. As soon as the light percussion begins (think George Michael Freedom ’90), and the remixing soon after, the track finds its feet firmly in a groovy rhythm, then balancing nicely with its indie core.

"The Snuts seemed to have demonstrated a grasp of different compositional avenues to explore their musicianship without too much chaos."

Interestingly, the EP’s first interlude works as a mixer between the two tracks essentially, as opposed to a separate entity entirely. Coffee & Cigarettes carries on this marriage between indie rock and rhythmic beats, in the form of something much more rock n roll. Again, it’s unbelievably catchy and its upbeat/60s swing tempo may strike you as curious for a band of this genre and what you may expect, but ultimately it works.


All Your Friends opens with a much more ominous guitar plucking, revealing very little of what’s to come; the most coy of the tracks. The track then introduces something much grungier than the previous tracks in its verses, led by pure bass and drums. The chorus sees a reintroduction to the EP's so far upbeat marriage of rock and roll. It’s an interesting take on the best of these genres, offering something somewhat unique and wildly intriguing. The contrast leads from rhythm, and then the guitar gives the track a lot of edge and a serious punch. It seems rare to find such frequent interludes on an EP, yet they break up the record nicely, although the tracks regardless speak for themselves.


Image courtesy of Gigs in Scotland

Boardwalk follows the third interlude, a break from the feel of the record so far. The vocals are haunting, the composition between the acoustic guitar, percussion, and keys is enchanting. It picks up but doesn’t lose its resonance, creating a crescendo which lends itself to the evocative composition thus far by building a contrast.


An immediate return to the EP's previous nature comes in Don’t Forget It (Punk). It’s gritty, bold and energetic. Throughout the record, The Snuts seemed to have demonstrated a grasp of different compositional avenues to explore their musicianship without too much chaos. It stays true to what you might expect whilst pushing enough boundaries to remain impressive. A punchy and spirited end to the record, screaming to the listener ‘Don’t forget it’ will inevitably make them play the EP all over again.

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