Brighton’s alternative scene has been thriving massively in the past few years, with a steady flow of exciting newcomers storming the fronts, snake eyes among them. The grit-pop trio from the south coast put out a successful first EP Skeletons during the pandemic last year and have no plans of slowing down. For their next release, the lovehate mixtape, they’ve decided to go with a transitional format. It’s not an EP and not a full-blown album just yet, but rather a collection of the latest new tracks with some amusing sketches in between. This format and side A/B divide already gives the release a nostalgic vibe, and paired with fuzzy guitars and slightly dark undertones the record sounds like it’s fresh from the 90s. …mixtape features 8 full-length tracks and hilarious skits that work as a cohesive whole; they aren’t there to stretch out the time. With each one, the listener gets a glimpse into the recording process and the band’s personalities. This fly-on-the-wall approach is decidedly entertaining, arresting and personal.
The record kicks off with a skit that unequivocally explains to the audience why snake eyes have chosen this particular format. ‘Dig’ is the opening track and the first single released back in July, introducing the side A selection of the mixtape. It features a wildly catchy melody along with the signature thick and gritty sound. ‘Happy Pills’ then follows in the similar fashion, while delving into the heavy topic of anti-depressant addiction. ‘Hello Stranger’ is a bizarre one but amusing nonetheless – a short track of barely a minute and a half, imagining an awkward encounter with an ex.
Opening the second half ‘Another world’ changes the pace somewhat, starting off gently with a soft tune, just to explode about halfway through. Although it sounds like a love song the vocals bring a sinister note and ambivalence – is the protagonist really happy “she takes him to another world“? It desn’t quite sound it. After a quick but hilarious skit of a voicemail that foreshadows the next theme, the main tune of mixtape comes in. ‘Skuttlebug’ is a real banger, its insanely catchy chorus, fuzzy riffs and grungy vibes working superbly together. ‘Big Deal’ and ‘Sink’ continue the streak of first class airplay-ready hits, with the latter dipping into that “park life” satire of the modern life. ‘Nuf’ then completes the mixtape, preceded by a little self-ironic skit. The track features a strong, riffy chorus and a ‘big fat solo’, just as promised.
the lovehate mixtape is a great piece of work; fresh, entertaining and nostalgic in equal measure. snake eyes are not defined by genre, instead they’ve developed their own authentic sound and are confidently rolling with it. It’s a grit pop base with the toppings of punk, indie and grunge, and it sounds amazing. Mixtape also speaks about relatable topics of mental health, self-love, doubt and failure, all while rocking some serious riffs and huge tunes. This Brighton trio are producing quality work and are hitting that sweet spot of appealing to both mainstream and alternative public. Moreover, they are playing on those 90s nostalgia buttons of millennials and gen z’s alike.