Snailgun Glass Walls CD
Compelling mix of vocal-shredding post-hardcore and syncopated noise rock on this Australian band’s debut. There is a noticeable rawness to the bass tone that recalls Bob Weston’s work in SHELLAC, but also the textured guitar approach of bands like LUNGFISH and SELF DEFENSE FAMILY. SNAILGUN uses these dynamics to skillfully shift from pummeling noise punk tracks like “Straight Ahead” to looping, cinematic expansion on songs like the seven-minute “Shadow Operator.” Standout “Labyrinth” details the speaker’s unsettling plans to build a labyrinth in his basement, while threatening neighbors that he will have the last laugh. It’s creepy, but it also features a sax-driven, ecstatic full-band meltdown that rules in its bombastic audacity. The album’s final track, “Screamy Cat,” churns with a driving bass/drum rhythm and catchy vocal melody that sounds like a classic alt/rock radio ballad. Then it keeps going for eight minutes of high-energy jamming that never loses steam.