EP REVIEW: health – snake eyes

Self-proclaimed ‘gritpop’ band SNAKE EYES release their fourth EP health, a record bound to prove why they embody that title. The trio from Brighton are aiming to display their core values of kindness and freedom of expression in this latest release, and use their music to document their lived experiences. With an end goal of playing as many live shows as possible this year, these most recent songs should be perfect for this endeavour.

Opening the EP is no one is truly cool, a gritty anthem criticising fake people and celebrating not taking yourself too seriously, and it works really well. Grunge style guitars are introduced, along with vocalist Jim Heffy‘s gravelly voice, making up a catchy, memorable chorus. The backing vocals make the song, and to open the album it works well, demonstrating who the band are and what their unique sound is.

crybaby is next, blending a fun chorus with that disjointed sound. The lyrics are well-written here, and offer a candid exploration of mental health that balances reassurance with the hard truth. The guitars bring in a Britpop kind of energy, which keeps the song extremely interesting. This sound follows through to medicine, a driving track confronting medicinal dependency with a grungier sound. Maintaining the sarcastic undertones, the backing vocals and relentless drums raise the intensity and change the pace to something different.

40 winks is where SNAKE EYES really demonstrate their individual style, and the combination of the catchy riff, uncomfortable but relatable lyrics and disjointed vocals makes for an undeniably memorable track. It’s obvious this one would translate perfectly live, and the abrupt ending captures the restless feeling completely. The EP ends with nothing better, which is arguably the best song due to the insistent guitars and the story-telling lyrics. It’s easy to get drawn into the simplicity of the chorus and the message in the verses, with the backing vocals rounding everything off perfectly. Sadly, nothing better ends just shy of two minutes, which is disappointing, but an understandable choice.

health is a short but extremely punchy EP, and SNAKE EYES have mastered the deliberately raw, gritty sound with five tracks that will certainly make an impact live or otherwise. 

Rating: 8/10

health is out now via Alcopop! Records.

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