Mixtape review: snake eyes – the lovehate mixtape

In their second release’s opening track (small talk), snake eyes frontman Jim Heffy suggests, rather than making another EP or an album, the band create a mixtape. He’s gently ribbed for the idea in the convivial way close mates do – “Alright, Jim Shady!” “Awww, make a mixtape, give it to your girlfriend!” Mocking aside, it’s an intriguing and rarely chosen format for a rock record to take, particularly in the way the self-described grit-pop mob execute it, with music interspersed with skits. Does it work? The easiest answer is: partially.

Putting a record within the fancy packaging of ‘mixtape’ isn’t worth it if the music itself is ropey, but it’s not a problem snake eyes need to worry about. There’s a simplicity to what they do – making snotty, scrappy, guy-and-girl-next-door punk with big fat riffs – but theirs is a case where simple is effective. The breezy dig coolly cruises along with a catchy, robust melody while the gritty, downtrodden hello stranger and scuttlebug squeeze tonnes of fun out of everyday angst. The strongest track on offer here is the contemplative love song another world, whose grungy pluckings gives way to one of those huge, fuzzy riffs almost reminiscent of shoegaze that has your limbs tingling with joyful warmth. It’s the best showcase of the untapped potential the South Coast trio could have – there’s more to these guys than three chords and a good time.

When their actual music is as strong as it is, it’s possible to question why this couldn’t just stand alone as a mini-album. It is worth appreciating the effort snake eyes have made to do something a little different, but the skits themselves are largely superfluous. The opening gambit of (small talk) is pleasant and does arouse a chuckle, but there’s nothing that will stop the listener hitting skip past the first run-through on (neighbourhood dogs), a strange track consisting only of dog barking, or (alien punx), which consists largely of some distant, Martian-like noises.

The lesson snake eyes need to learn is that if you’ve got good tunes, which they definitely have, then any extra bells and whistles aren’t necessary. Even then, however, it doesn’t take away the real potential that shines through in these songs – this band is still worth keeping an eye on as we head in 2022.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: Milk Teeth, GLOO, Gender Roles

the lovehate mixtape is released on November 19 via Killing Moon.

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