SNAKES AMONG US ‘7’

SNAKES AMONG US

‘7’ EP

Self-Release (07/07/23)

If speedy hardcore with introspective lyrics and an unforgiving intensity is your thing, the debut EP from Snakes Among Us is an absolute must listen. Featuring seven songs and released on the 7th day of the 7th month, the appropriately titled ‘7’ builds on the sonic template laid out in last year’s Demo by amping up the production values without losing an ounce of the raw, potent venom found at their live show. And if speedy hardcore isn’t your thing… Snakes have the bite to make you reconsider your musical choices.

A Home Alone sample precedes the furious statement of intent that is opening track Leeches, but there’s certainly no family-friendly themes to be found across the EP’s 12-minute duration. Peeling back the layers of brutal hardcore sonics unveils a dark lyrical thread that details internal struggle and self-loathing in honest fashion. It’s heavy stuff, reaching six-feet down on Isolated:

I’ll shed my skin, I’ll gouge my eyes,

Anything to stop what’s happening on the inside,

I’ve had my fill, I’m at my limit,

I don’t want to be here for another minute 

It’s raw, it’s harrowing, and it’s painful, yet at the same time it’s vulnerable and relatable. 

The band are a tight unit and leave no room for boredom, filling each song with a rabid spirit that plays up like the bastard child of hardcore punk and 80s thrash. There are muscular riffs and manic rhythms aplenty, but also subtle moments that display a finely crafted approach to putting the songs together. 

Take, for example, Wash My Brain which shoots out on a handbrake riff before hitting double-time for the verses. It grooves and grinds throughout its 80 seconds whilst also throwing chunky palm-muted riffs, bass breaks, harmonics, and an a cappella vocal moment into the mix. Similarly, Doll Eyes shows off the band’s mastery of hardcore tropes with a bouncing two-chord riff sandwiched in-between verses, and a decaying guitar strum which fades out into a watery sample as the song drowns itself. Isolated offers up a two-step opportunity amidst frantic double-time drums and instrumental accents, with the migraine-inducing intro of Spit It Out soon morphing into a sludge-fest. It’s fantastic stuff that’s nuanced in its approach and delivers a lean and mean listening experience. 

Although nested firmly in the world of hardcore, the EP has its own distinct personality in terms of sonics and attitude. The relentless drumming flips into black metal blast beats at times, with rolling bass adding bounce at the bottom end. Razor-sharp guitars take cues from across the punk and metal spectrum and provide a perfect compliment to the tortured yell of vocalist Josh Jones. 

The EP certainly lives up to the expectations set by seeing Snakes Among Us on the live circuit, adding a crisp and clear dynamic to their abrasive sound. Kudos to the band for creating a 100% DIY effort, recording, mixing, and mastering it all in-house. Keep an eye on these reptiles…

Judge for yourself: https://snakesamongus.bandcamp.com/album/7