Way Out West: Snooze (EP DEBUT)
Posted: by The Editor
FFO: Weezer, That Dog, Prince Daddy and the Hyena (Weezer)
Every once and awhile a we all find that one band or record that just does it for us. In a community and position where I feel constantly bombarded by new music, it’s not too often that a new band comes along and immediately knocks me straight onto my ass. Quite frankly, there’s no better feeling to me than hearing new music, (especially as it’s only in its beginning stages) and having it just click. When I first heard California Bay Area’s Snooze, I knew. I knew that this band is destined to rock both my own personal, as well as our shared collective– world. Those iPhone recorded demos sat in my little Facebook Messenger pop-up unsuspectingly, looking like just another message from vocalist Sam Kless. Little did I know, they would become so much more than that. Simply put, Snooze is comprised of synth and shredding. Three guitars, coming from some of the Bay Area’s best and brightest- Sam Kless, Ryan Ellery, and Trevor McBride lead the band’s crusade into power pop. As if that wasn’t enough, heavy 90s/early 2000s synth drives through every track thanks to synth master Brandon Downum. Drummer Kurt Walcher and bassist Noah Malowitz create the unwavering foundation upon which all of this magic happens. This band is exactly what I’ve been waiting for as of late, and I’m thrilled to be premiering their debut self titled EP. Listen to Snooze below.
What makes this band EP so endearing is how simple and matter of fact it is. In a sea of twinkly poetic math rock, a power pop track about how much work sucks (“Pink Slip”) is the most fun breath of fresh air possible. Tracks like “Dumbass” and “Alicia’s House” chronicle the anxieties every early 20 some is bound to be all too familiar with, establishing the band’s mission to turn the familiar frets of being a young adult into catchy, fun, mindless rock music. Everything I’ve needed and more, Snooze is already making itself comfortable at the top of my favorite EPs of 2017 list.
In keeping with their 90s-esq identity this band comes at you sans-social media. That’s right, another one of those annoying practically internet-untraceable bands. You can’t find them on Facebook or Twitter but you CAN order their debut EP on tape from Phat ‘n’ Phunky; preorders can be found HERE.
-Delaney|@loser513
