After years of telling anyone in smoking areas outside gigs that they were going to start a band, SNAYX’s bluff was finally called by rising stars Kid Kapichi who invited them to open one of their shows, frantically writing material, it seems like SNAYX caught lightning in a bottle with their debut EP, Weaponized Youth: Part 1. Taking up the space somewhere between Slaves, Trash Boat and Arctic Monkeys, the two piece live and breathe punk spirit while bringing danceable beats and poppy hooks.
Lead single ‘Work’ is maybe the most straightforward punk track on the EP, with relatable working class lyrics and pounding drums. Following the trials of working a full time, minimum wage job in a society that increasingly disrespects its workers, Work keeps up the pace throughout with rapid fire vocals, a fuzzed out bassline and tight rock drums. An unexpected but nonetheless cool addition to the track is the psych rock style organ in the choruses, providing an extra little texture and a touch of retro swagger to the track. Work only clocks in at 2 and a half minutes, epitomising that punk ethos, saying what it needs to and stomping off to the next track.
“Work only clocks in at 2 and a half minutes, epitomising that punk ethos, saying what it needs to and stomping off to the next track.”
Second track ‘Body Language’ slows down the pace for a swirling, confident strut full of retro moxie. With a lazy, hip shaking groove and Damon Alburn style vocal slurring behind the beat, ‘Body Language’ transports the listener to a smoky nightclub full of drunk twenty-somethings and bouncy, reverb drenched drums. This track is really where the Arctic Monkeys comparison is clearest, evoking their strong sense of storytelling and adolescent energy without copying the indie rock icons. ‘Body Language’ is where SNAYX really flex their ability to bring the cool, sexy feel of an intimate live venue to their recordings, showing they’re not just a one trick punk pony.
Single ‘Deranged’ gives SNAYX their first chance at a radio friendly rock single which they take confidently in their stride. Bringing together the sounds of bands like Royal Blood and The Hives by incorporating a blown out guitar riff, mid-tempo, cowbell led drums and subtle backing vocals to beef up the chorus, SNAYX show they’re already ready for the big time. ‘Deranged’ certainly isn’t the most unique track on the EP, hiding the band’s more unique elements under the safe, comforting blanket of modern rock but it’s an admirable first attempt at conquering the airwaves.
“Deranged gives SNAYX their first chance at a radio friendly rock single which they take confidently in their stride.”
SNAYX aren’t afraid to try out new styles or get political, as exemplified on track ‘Weaponized’. Steady chugging riffs and lyrics about the dehumanising, polarising state of modern society fill out a track full of spite and calls to action. The influences from both Muse and System of a Down are on display but with a unique garage punk spin, the chorus screams Serj Tankian with frontman Charlie Herridge’s dramatic high notes shining through. ‘Weaponized’ culminates in the band’s heaviest breakdown yet, destined to fill mosh pits around the country through layer upon layer of guitars, backing vocals and crash cymbals.
Rounding off the EP is ‘Buck’, a non-stop punk track that acts as a wake up call to an overly opulent scene. Like an alarm clock on a hungover morning Buck stomps through with a socially conscious message, thunderous bassline and a muffled shuffle on the drums. Warning of the consequences of the hard drinking, hard partying lifestyle that other bands sing the praises of, ‘Buck’ acts as a perfect closer to an EP of spectacularly aware and forward thinking rock.
Weaponized Youth: Part 1 puts SNAYX’s best foot forward with a varied, diverse and fascinating EP of socially conscious and energetic punk. SNAYX fly through so many different genres and styles in only 5 tracks and excel at every single one, if this band weren’t already on your radar after their relentless UK touring schedule they absolutely should be after their debut EP.