snake eyes is an indie-punk “grit pop” band from Brighton, UK, formed in 2020 by Jim Heffy (vocals/guitar) and Thomas Coe-Brooker (drums). The band creates fast-paced, hooky songs described as a blend of noise rock and indie pop, with lyrics focusing on self-expression and positivity. Their debut album `cash rich` is released this month with lyrical themes that the band describe as “a collection of doomsday foot-tappers for our fellow hippies,” a record about doing their bit to save our planet with some intersection and self-belief thrown in for good measure.
The release opens with “jar full of wasps,” an engaging and rhythmic track that depicts the narrator attempting to re-enter their home following an episode of intoxication. The narrator requests assistance from an acquaintance and appeals for them to “be my friend or an enemy,” expressing this sentiment with a tone that borders on passive aggression. A drum machine leads us into `no cars` a nigh on hypnotic offering with a mechanised vocal delivery.
`the kicker` is a thumping pounding piece which relates to getting obliterated with drink but not being able to get any relief which is the kicker or the surprising and unexpected twist in a story or situation. We enjoy plenty of cowbells throughout `hdtv` which has a fairly slacker vibe which is maybe a metaphor comparing high-definition television system which provides a substantially higher image resolution and the way the narrator feels.
`i`m a daydream` musically mirrors the pleasant, imaginative series of thoughts or fantasies experienced while awake, often involving future goals or wish fulfillment of a fantasy. A plucked acoustic guitar where you can hear the sound of the frets guides us through `slugs` a folk like composition which tells of these shell-less terrestrial gastropod molluscs in the garden, in the kitchen and surrounding us. It also has whistling and a kick drum in the midsection.
There`s a “1, 2, 3, 4” functional count-in on `hug me`, but spoken in French ala “un deux trois quatre” with is delightfully rhythmic beat and noise akin to shooting in a video arcade game spliced in. An endearing song that encourages us to embrace each other. We have in `soup` a number that refers to not having the privilege of others and uses the “half full bowl” idiom to contrast optimistic perspectives.
Title track `cash rich` is sixty nine seconds of strummed guitar strings and spoken word that alludes to entities or individuals with immense financial wealth who disregard ethical principles, social responsibility, and integrity. The last twenty seconds becomes a real wall of distorted noise. There`s a real grungy texture to `headache` a fuzz tinged slow burn.
`swing away` is wonderfully contemplative and opens with a recurring guitar chord riff and dreamy vocals. A tribal drum cadence joins before it gains depth and becomes more robust but retaining its thoughtful consideration. Fireflies (or lightning bugs) are mentioned which commonly symbolise hope, guidance, and illumination in darkness, representing a “light” that shines during difficult times. The final cut `robot boy` has strummed acoustic guitar and distanced vocals and maybe reflects the intersection of humanity and technology, representing themes of innocence, the desire to learn, emotional growth, and the longing to be real.
Although `cash rich` is a body of work that represents the first five years of snake eyes, for me it`s been worth such an extensive gestation period. They have concentrated on becoming a live outfit taking the opportunity to support a variety of bands such as The Meffs, Dune Rats, You Me At Six, Kid Kapichi, Dinosaur Pile Up, Bad Nerves, Wine Lips, and The Xcerts. The tunes are full of engaging earworms with throwaway lyrics that i`m sure have a much deeper positive absorbed meaning.
This release will be up there when the album of the year plaudits are handed out.
Rating 9.5/10
