Snarls - With Love, (2024) Hi Res

Columbus, Ohio trio Snarls had never been overseas as a band. They’ve toured the U.S multiple times since their debut LP “Burst” hopped onto the scene in March of 2020, but crossing the pond wasn’t an opportunity that had come their way yet. So, when producer Chris Walla (Tegan & Sara, Death Cab For Cutie) couldn’t make his normal studio home of Seattle, WA, work, he pitched the band the idea of coming to his actual home in Norway to make their upcoming sophomore full-length. The offer turned out to be one the band couldn’t refuse. A 13 hour flight and a couple hour drive lead them to almost the middle of nowhere in Surnadal, Norway, where they hunkered down to track what would become their sophomore LP “With Love,” at DreamFarm Studios. What becomes immediately apparent on the first listen of Snarls’ new LP “With Love,” (releasing May 3rd via Take This To Heart Records) is its urgency. Snarls doesn’t pull their punches teaming with Walla to create a lavish soundscape production that balances high-powered guitars with ethereal vocal harmonies to construct a sound uniquely their own. Do yourself a favor and listen with headphones. While “With Love,” mostly wades in the waters of indie pop, the album sometimes dips its toes in the deep end of a heavier alternative rock vibe. Their single “Heavy Drinker” utilizes concise pop song writing, big hooks, and fuzzy riffs, while exploding into the triumphant “Oh Yea, Oh Yea, Oh Yea” emphatic chorus. “Driving Faster” tones it back with minimal percussion and acoustic guitars that create a lush landscape of sounds while singer Chlo White beckons “driving faster, will you race me?” as she ushers to her lover to meet up with her as soon as possible. What encapsulates this album so beautifully is their near 8 minute closing track “Ur Song / Lovers Of Valdaro”, which would feel right at home on a Death Cab album. For Snarls there is no sophomore slump, only a continuation and building upon what they’ve always done since the bands inception: Create truthful, honest, heart on a string indie-rock that speaks not only for them, but to them in a way that only that can convey.