There is something wonderful about a split single, that is, two bands sharing space on one physical release, something at odds with the modern world, something purposefully authentic and deliberately old school. Because it goes beyond just two bands releasing a single together for logistical and financial practicality; it suggests a rich backstory. Two bands meet, yes, but they also gig together, enjoy each other’s music, and, more importantly, each other’s company; they support each other, act in ways totally at odds with the technology of the day, and eventually put out a single together. Yes, finance and logistics are factors, but way down the list of priorities. That’s what the grassroots scene is all about, and that is certainly the story with this split single from It’s Snakes and Goddamn Wolves.
‘Viva El Monstro’ kicks things off, with It’s Snakes giving us a saucy flash of their college rock roots, righteously ragged (who needs polished… authenticity and first take is where it’s at), beats tumbling rather than driving, and the song wandering into wonderfully weirder and slightly psychedelic territory as it goes.
Part 60’s garage band, part don’t-give-a-flying-flip-about-fad-or-fashion, part ‘octopus losing control’ …apparently…(I don’t know what that means but it sounds very apt) this is music from the heart, this is music that ends up the way it does because that’s what happened on the day…’ Viva El Monstro’ is the sound of music made in the moment, and ‘It’s Snakes’ are a band who don’t really care if you like what they do, they are going to do it anyway. (Is there any other way to be?)
‘Others’, the sonic travelling companion from Goddamn Wolves, feels like what B52’s might sound like if they gave up quirky paisley pop and headed down a more rock-and-roll route. There is something of the 50s doo-wop sound, something of 60s beat bands, something invested in wig-flipping 70s psychedelia; it’s cool, it’s clever, it is what it is. And what it is is flippin’ great!
It’s Snakes are new to me, and although I have put pen to paper a few times for Goddamn Wolves, I’ve never heard them sound like this. I can only conclude that these bands bring out something in each other that might otherwise have remained buried; that they urge each other to do unpredictable, off-beat, and adventurous things.
Long may they continue to do so.
It’s Snakes
Goddamn Wolves
