The SSSSNAKES/THE SLOW DEATH split witnesses the unlikely and unholy alliance of Wales and Minnesota, as these two relatively small punk bands unite to create a short but sweet record that fully exceeds expectations and proves that size doesn’t matter.
The SSSSNAKES side, only two tracks long, manages to aptly present everything that the band is capable of. Whilst the MXPX-esque ‘Only One’ certainly conforms to the bands own description as an outfit that “sing songs about girls, skateboards, friends and sticking it to the man”, ‘Surfrog’ offers a bit more melancholy and shows that these valley punkers can be sober when they want to be.
THE SLOW DEATH is formed from the wreckage of a number of punk bands scattered across the US, which finally settled in Minneapolis. Undoubtedly the more seasoned of the two bands, the gruff vocals of Jesse Thorson give the four-piece a deceptive seriousness that is soon unveiled by the feel-good, fast-paced and disillusioned anthems of their half of the split. ‘Want’ is the highlight track with break-back verses and a huge chorus hook that is perfect for crowd sing-alongs.
Whilst it can be hard to get a full picture of any band from a split, this certainly serves its purpose; both SSSSNAKES and the Slow Death do themselves justice and give the listener a taste of what they’re about: good times.
RAMSEY MARWAN