When I see the words “snack” and “truck” the fat kid inside me usually gets excited and is ready to mow down some mobile junk food. This time around though the words have different meaning and refer to a band’s name and not the no-so-good-for-you cuisine. Snacktruck is a truly unique threesome from Richmond, VA consisting of a guitarist/keyboardist and two drummers. Yes, two drummers. (I do believe there is a guest bassist too but can not confirm that)
The band recently released Spacial Findings 1 – 7, an album that is more of a masterpiece of specifically layered sounds resulting in quite an impressive instrumental release. With no pinned down genre the album glides through styles such as progressive, jam, thrash, and even pure rock with no hesitation what so ever in between. The album was dropped on Rorschach Records.
If you asked me what Spacial Findings 1 – 7 sounded like I would first just say “awesome”. Why? Because the moment I put the CD in for a listen I was just fixed on what was hitting my ears and listened to it from start to finish with no interruptions. The moment the CD ended I put it on for a second listen. No joke.
When listening to “Presence Charm” I actually looked at the CD booklet to make sure that only three people formulated this song. Heavily progressive but inclusive throughout there was no wonder why this caught my attention…it was good.
“Blooms (Horrible)” continued on with an experimental interesting piece that hooked around momentarily and ended far too soon. I was digging the almost sci-fi soundtrack and was a little bummed when it smothered out. “Blooms (Sweet)” stifled out just like the previous track right during a sweet guitar manipulation and that is when it hit me… The band very well may take their songs completely into new territory when playing live so why ruin it on a studio release? Now I want to see this band live more than ever. I can only imagine the intensity of a live experience.
“Life Prism” was perhaps the highlight of the album for me until the following song “Blake Jones In Space” intensified the feeling. Imagine insanity compiled into a two and a half minute song with sick drumming and technical goodness. All I could think of is a mutant Mike Patton taking hits of 90’s grunge music heavy acid and painting a picture of the future through music. Yes, I just said that.
“Gravi-Thorn”, the longest song on the disc, starts out ever so soft and gentle and suddenly transforms into a crazy collection of guitar and feedback with faultless drumming. Did I mention the band has two drummers?
Snacktruck surpassed my musical range in every way possible (that is a good thing) but I could not help but reach out and grab their insanity note for note and beat to beat because it was so alluring. It’s without a doubt something that needs to be heard without being too much to take. Technical music lovers and experimental intellectuals are going to love this trio of musicians. Hell, music lovers need to give this band a chance, it’s that good.
Sound interesting? Head over to Rorschach Record’s website to grab a copy for yourself!
