Review: Blues “Snakepit”

Our friends over at 1912 Records are really doing some cool stuff. Last year they released this album Snakepit by Tucson, AZ band Blues. The very cool beer-colored vinyl initially caught my attention, so I picked it up. The album artwork is equally as awesome, with the faith healers without faces, the full insert with photos and lyrics, etc. Such great packaging.

Musically, these dudes take that Botch metal-hardcore template that’s been the rage for the last decade, and they throw in some seriously great Unsane-esque riffs, lots of Helmet-style start-stop dynamics, and tons of those beefy Clutch riffs that give it an almost Southern Rock swagger. Unlike so much of the heavy stuff I hear these days, this record seriously rocks. They throw tons of furious riffs at you without relying on ridiculous time signatures, and there are no chuggy palm mutes or goofy melodic parts - really, just some seriously great heavy rock and roll. The production is warm and roomy, but still totally raw, and the vinyl sounds really nice on my stereo.

Another thing that really sets this record apart is the vocals. There’s plenty of throaty screaming, but they mix it up with some really great yelling that reminds me of ATDI or maybe Guy from Fugazi. And there is the occasional distorted vocal and gang yelling, right where you need it. And actually, all the members are credited with vocals along with the main vocalist. So yeah, awesome yelling and screaming all over this thing.

A great record with some great packaging, definitely worth picking up.