London-based 3 piece Snork have an LP out that has quite literally been “lost” somewhere here at Rock-Regeneration towers. Apologies accepted I will attempt to review this LP.
Opener “Downation” has a strained-guitar beginning then launches into the hard-hitting,snare-driven powerhouse of a song that it is. There’s hints of Sonic Youth, Mambo Taxi and Blessed Ethel to name 3, and overall it’s a speedy little opener. The middle 8 is unusual, quite unlike anything I’ve heard before. I suppose this is what will set them apart from the crowd.
“Puffin” is spiky and aggressive from the outset with a “dark” and “shrieking” chorus. Midsong the vocals become somewhat mellow and softer, before returning to the slightly harsher. Daisy Chainsaw would be an obvious influence but I could choose one from many. “Elegant” once again has that big snare-driven opening. It’s a pacey little number and the vocal reminds me of nearly-rans “Period Pains”. At a little over 1 minute one imagines this to be a danceable live song.
“Red Stripe” immediately reminds me of Veruca Salt in the vocal. The guitars however owe a debt to early Smashing Pumpkins. The vocals are audible and while soft in places become stronger in parts. Whether “Red Stripe” alludes to the drink or something else is anyone’s guess. I couldn’t work it out though!
“Slut” stays in the same vein with strong drums and more of those ‘strained’ chords. The whole “Riot Grrrl” tag is very apparent here but that’s no criticism. “Grey” has a slower, moodier intro but soon returns to the sound of previous tracks. The slow/fast element really is killer and one imagines that it’s a winner live too. Superb!
“Slater” is in complete contrast to what came before. Those Sonic Youth-inspired guitars open this song and it’s great to hear a really audible vocal. However, the 2nd half of this song goes up a notch and there’s a harder, faster and shoutier end to the song. “Boxed” is more ferocity and power drums from the outset. There really isn’t much more to say!
“Hate” is self-explanatory really. Whether written about a loved one/lover etc it pulls no punches. “Cosmic High Street” begins all White Stripes “Fell In Love With A Girl” but is probably the bounciest song on here. The chords sound less strained alongside the strong, powerful vocals. It’s “cosmic” all right , and dare I say it uplifting. If anything it’s overlong, but just when you think it’s winding down, it drags you kicking and screaming back to the power of earlier songs.
This collection ends with “Buster”. There’s more than a hint of Xray Spex going on here, most notably in the vocal. The power drums stay true to the rest of the LP and it’s the perfect ending. Snork are not breaking any new ground here. However, they are certainly distinct and don’t sound like the glut of other bands purveying this type of sound.
Band Members
Elle-Vox
Simone-Drums
Clem-Guitars
Tracklisting
Downation
Puffin
Elegant
Red Stripe
Slut
Grey
Slater
Boxed
Hate
Cosmic High Street
Buster
Links
http://www.snork.me
http://www.facebook.com/SNORK
Review by Ross A.Ferrone
