Written by Annie Barber
Photos by Sumner Howells
Alternative rock band Snarls have returned to their grunge-tinged alternative rock roots with their latest EP, ‘In Heaven There’s Rainbows’. The songs, which are the result of a truly creative endeavour that came to life through collaboration and experimentation, combine layered guitars, enchanting vocals, and a breadth of influences to create a mesmerising musical adventure.
The EP gets off to a haunting and gritty start with ‘Chemical Control (Spill Your Blood)’. The loud rocky choruses contrast with the more laidback verses, making for an addictive and festival-ready track.
With a brash, bold, and punchy intro, ‘No Lock, No Prayer’, is an instant attention-grabber. The loud electric guitar, angelic harmonies, and confessional lyrics make it a treat to listen to. The song slips into a Wolf Alice style bridge with almost whispered vocals and crashing drums, before the electric guitar returns and takes centre stage. The song comes to an abrupt end, mirroring the lyrics which chart the unpredictability of a volatile relationship.
Things slow down for ‘One Wish’ which has a more laidback feeling, due to its melodic harmonies and pop infused vocals. The track’s lyrics showcase the band’s ability to translate human emotions into poetic lyrics, with the first verse being a perfect example of their skilful songwriting abilities “Petrichor morning / Chalk on the pavement / The art of a sad heart / A fleeting engravement / Healing my fragments / Breakthrough mosaic / My foot on the gas now / I wanna make it.”
The sound of guitar strings being tuned ushers in the organic feeling of ‘Eternal Flame’. Although the track starts off more relaxed, it feels as though something is bubbling beneath the surface and waiting to be set free; sure enough, the song soon erupts into a melancholy and gritty sound with heavy guitars and then bursts into an even louder and rocky chorus. It showcases the group’s skilled musicianship and feels like a rallying call as it builds up to a crescendo consisting of shouty vocals and screeching guitar.
‘What’s Inside of Me’ has a more uplifting sound with contemplative guitar and melodic harmonies. Once again, pop influences bleed through into this track, which is thoughtful and nostalgic. The song slowly winds down and fades out with a twinkling finish, making it the perfect ending to the EP.
With ‘In Heaven There’s Rainbows’, Snarls have drawn on their origins, while injecting in some new influences, creating a remarkable collection of songs.
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