‘Rock N Roll Swap Meet: Day 1’
Snappy Little Numbers, 2021
9/10
Listen to ‘Rock N Roll Swap Meet: Day 1’
The Snappy Little Numbers label sure has had an impressive year, and it’s one that includes a handful of creative releases in the area of punk, but rarely in the traditional sense. SPELLS and Hooper continue that theme, as each offer us a pair of tunes that are equal parts power, melody and hooks.
The Swap Side starts with the SPELLS tune “The Shallows”, where dual gender vocals flow from a punk, garage and indie blast of melody and grit, and “Forget About Virginia” follows with Hooper’s crashing drums, powerful guitars and rhythmic energy that’s raw, plenty tuneful and even a bit nostalgic.
The Meet Side is equally fun, and leads with “Corporate Welfare Queen”, where a bouncy spirit and infectious pop influence makes this a particularly playful and memorable tune from SPELLS, and Hooper exits the listen with the cautious and thicker alt-rock intensity of “Salted Breeze”, which hints at what made the ‘90s so great.
At under 10 minutes, this serves as a quick but impactful platform for two very talented bands who actually cover each other and write songs for one another on this charming slab of hot pink vinyl.
Travels well with: The Christmas Bride- Dark Romance Of A Midnight Wanderer; State Drugs-Live. Laugh. Love