The Snuts - ‘Millenials’ review
The Snuts by Gary Williamson
Scotland’s beloved guitar band are back. The Snut’s new release Millenials is an album to dance to while the world is on fire. It marks the 3rd record for the West Lothian lads and the first under their new label Happy Artist Records. It feels like a coming of age for the millennial members who, having released well-founded frustration on ‘Burn the Empire’, now have a taste of freedom.
A whirlwind of just 10 songs, many under 3 minutes, the joyous album is packed with could be hits that instantly make you want to move yet still manage to pack a punch lyrically.
The record opens with ‘Gloria’, released last May it became the song of summer for many and is the perfect tone setter for what is to follow. Upbeat and fast-moving with an impressive bpm it lays out a pop/disco-esque feel that the band haven’t previously explored. This feeling is maintained in ‘Millionaires’ which, with incredibly catchy lyrics, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser throughout the stacked touring schedule lined up for this year.
Rooted in realism with an incredible awareness of the world around them, The Snut’s shine on tracks like ‘NPC’. Boasting lyrics such as “This Happy Meal reality is absolutely killing me” and “Netflix binge to get me to sleep”. ‘NPC’ highlights this generation’s detachment from their own reality as they become more and more like non-player characters in the video games they devote so much of their life to.
On ‘Butterside Down’ things are stripped back as Frontman Jack Cochrane walks the line between reflection and hope. The track has a nostalgic quality and sounds more like The Snuts of old than those that came before. Offering an honest connection to listeners that has elements of both happiness and sadness, this will no doubt be a home crowd favourite.
‘Novastar’ has all the hallmarks of a British indie hit from the 2000s, it’s impossible to do anything other than smile and hum along while listening. Echoing vocals and even a section of clapping give the track an undeniably summer like feel. Full of hooks and rumbling bass optimistic ‘Dreams’ follows a similar theme. Released last August it already has over one million Spotify streams and will only gain popularity over the months to come.
‘Deep Diving’ is one of the more interesting tracks on this album. Jack’s voice sounds older, like he’s matured throughout the journey the last few tracks have taken him on. Written and produced perfectly it is a total earworm of a song that is testament to the isolation and detachment that alcohol can bring to a night. ‘Deep Diving’ feels like an insight into some of Cochrane’s tougher times.
A change in pace comes about in the last track ‘Circles’. It is a welcome letup from the fast-paced sprint to the finish feel of the tracks before. It builds and releases and has an emotional value that fans will cherish.
Overall, this album feels like The Snuts dousing the fire in their bellies and replacing it with light instead. This feeling of happiness and liberation seems right as they embark on a journey of their own creation. A newfound direction is taking shape and while it might not push boundaries in the way many had hoped for it will only solidify The Snut’s standing as a main stage act that all can get behind.
Millenials from The Snuts is out now via Happy Artist Records / The Orchard and available on all good streaming platforms. The Snuts are Jack Cochrane, Callum ‘29’ Wilson, Joe McGillveray and Jordan 'Joko' Mackay.
