With their self-titled debut album, The Snozzberries, the up-and-coming jam-meets-psychedelic rock band invites listeners to plunge into a mind-bending universe of sound. This album is a musical exploration, weaving lush, swirling textures with a vibrant energy that evokes both the nostalgia of '60s acid rock and the modern twists of today’s psych and jam scene.
From the opening instrumental track, "Darkness," the band's prowess is immediately clear—to destroy all that lies in their path. The track starts with gentle, reverb-drenched guitars, building into an expansive soundscape that feels like a journey through space and time. Keyboardist Ian Taylor’s haunting organ swells set the tone for what’s to come, acting as both an anchor and a catalyst for the track’s evolution.
The vocals, hazy yet purposeful, drift in and out, never quite front and center but perfectly attuned to the instrumental waves surrounding them. “Living Without You” features soaring lyricism drifting throughout its core. The rhythm section here is tight, as bassist Josh Clark and drummer Paul Gladstone lock into a groove that provides a sturdy foundation for the more experimental flourishes above.
The production on The Snozzberries is a key player in creating the album's immersive atmosphere. There’s a noticeable balance between the organic and the synthetic—while much of the record is rooted in traditional rock instrumentation, synthesizers, phased guitars, and subtle electronic flourishes add a dreamlike haze to the tracks. The band's use of reverb is masterful; each note seems to echo through space, adding a sense of depth and otherworldliness.
One of the album’s standout moments is "Guepardo Morado," a track that defies conventional structure. With its complex time signatures and a guitar riff that flirts with chaos before returning to a smooth, almost hypnotic groove, the song is a masterclass in psychedelic progression. Like the salsa-driven riffs of Phish’s “Stash” meeting the ferocity of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to create a jazz standard, the track’s psychedelic progression feels like a swirl of colors, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of an altered state of consciousness.
"Hide (Testify)," a more delicate piece toward the end of the album, is a perfect example of their ability to mix serene moments with celestial tension. The track begins with funk-driven, ethereal guitar arpeggios before growing into a full-blown wall of cosmic sound, with layers of noise and feedback that feel both disorienting and cathartic. It's a masterclass in contrast, where soft beauty gives way to intense, overwhelming soundscapes.
The album closes with "Biting Through," a funk-first track that captures the essence of The Snozzberries' experimental spirit. It’s moody and ambient, drawing listeners to a reflective end with winding guitar lines and a vocal performance that seems to float just out of reach. It’s atmospheric and serves as the perfect farewell to the album.
The Snozzberries is a captivating release—an album that captures the essence of psychedelic rock while pushing its boundaries. From the intricate arrangements to the lush, atmospheric textures, this band has crafted a record that will resonate deeply with fans of the genre as well as those seeking something more exploratory and daring. It’s clear that The Snozzberries are not just interested in creating music but in inviting their listeners to experience a sonic trip that’s both timeless and innovative.
