Sophomore album fear and failure are of no concern for The Snuts with the release of their album, ‘Burn the Empire’
By Brianna Kline
The Snuts- ‘Burn the Empire’ album documentary
Scottish band, The Snuts, released their Sophomore studio album ‘Burn the Empire’ at the end of September. It’s well-known amongst the music community that sophomore albums tend to be home runs or abhorrent flops. In the case of The Snuts, without a doubt, they have succeeded in a memorable and smashing album. Sure to stand out on the charts and within their growing music catalog.
What’s so inspiring about ‘Burn the Empire’ as a whole work, is the ease at which The Snuts have managed to blend elements of a variety of other genres seamlessly. Staying true to their roots and home genre, tracing back to their first studio album, W.L. with intricate lyrics, classic yet grungy guitars, and cracking whooshing drums namesakes to the indie rock genre, The Snuts have opened their sound immensely. Their first album was explorative with a few more stripped-back tunes, but their newest album is another ballpark. ‘Burn the Empire’ features electronic sounds that may be kin to the likes of Gorillaz and blend them with their more traditional rock sound. And the mix is perfection.
The experimental nature of this album is also keenly evident through highly emotive more acoustic-stripped tracks, such as “13”, “End of the Road”, and “Yesterday.”
Across 11 tracks, adding up to 32 minutes and 54 seconds, The Snuts share perspectives on love and the battle of distance, the addictive nature of existence, the detrimental effects of social media, and general views on going against the societal standard grain.
It sounds very much in tune with the stereotypical and comical narrative of being, “not like other girls,” but The Snuts do it differently. Genuinely. In a non-comical way.
They begin their album with the title track, “Burn the Empire,” jumping straight into deep explosive chords and melodies. Of notable mention, are the lyrics. Straight out of the gate, the Snuts do not disappoint. Starting off with some spoken word, muffled as if coming in through a radio transmitter or broadcast the song says, “See, I think there are two ways in which people are controlled / First of all, frighten people, and secondly, demoralise them / An educated, healthy and confident nation is harder to govern.” With lyrics ringing of acute accusation and disprove on the way society is run, it is utterly breathtaking. A shocking statement calling out social norms, and allowing for the gateway of further existential conversation to be had. It is a call to action, inciting rebellious natures and encouraging individuality, the taking control of the self.
Moving swiftly on in the album, more techno elements are evident, particularly in “Zuckerpunch” and “Rodeo,” otherwise known as tracks 2 and 3. Rodeo in particular is reminiscent of early popular One Republic work, “Love Runs Out,” in terms of tempo and cadence.
Continuing to track 4 titled “13,” comes a haunting tinkling sound alongside heartwrenching lyrics that indicate early addiction. The imagery is simply awe-inspiring and nothing short of a story. The song details addiction in terms of drugs and alcohol while also touching on the addiction to the media. Lyrically and instrumentally this tune is a masterpiece. It is subtly soul-crushing in the most big-brother who wants to guide you because he has had experiences that have changed him kind of way. There’s a clear warning against living a life with no boundaries or cautious hand, saying, “Choking on the throttle of life.”
On a lighter tone comes track 6 “End of the Road” which features Rachel Chinouriri. This song sings of hope. It is unbridled passion and desire to make things work, and also speaks on how things are usually not as vast and daunting as they seem once a step back is taken. In a similar vein, comes “Pigeons in New York,” a fun and engaging track which is almost humorous as it recognizes the presence of pigeons in nearly every place on earth from Moscow to Dublin to, of course, New York. Taken to a higher level, the recognition of these pigeons adds to the narrative of no matter where someone is they have this commonality that serves as a connection.
“Cosmic Electronica” is a standout track due to the 180 switch-up with the full robot influence, which seems to add to The Snuts commentary on social media usage, and how the use of electronics causes the “new generation” to be severely disconnected from the rest of society.
Second to last on the album is “Yesterday,” and it might be my personal favorite. Singing of appreciating the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the general ability to persevere through any anxiety or “storm” like occurrence, there is the hope of getting through eventually. However, the most striking point of this track is the acknowledgment of how tiresome life can sometimes seem. It asks, “Why does it feel like I keep running all the way.” I’m not sure what else to say, except that amongst the anthemic hits, the electronic bops, and the other emotive stripped-back tracks, “Yesterday” is individually astounding, a tune sure to hit home and be a comfort for many.
The Snuts have something to say, and they aren’t being quiet about it unless it's one of the tracks where they are seeking a tear. Regardless of, a quiet riot or just shy of the Sex Pistols,
The Snuts are setting fire to what we know and questioning the general stability of our society and generation.
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