Rising psych-rock warriors The Snozzberries are releasing their bold new self-titled album on Friday November 1st. The record is a big departure from previous efforts, with a focus on songcraft that bobs and weaves amongst genres such as prog rock, soul and even thrash metal.
Fans of the band were quick to adopt their first single Return. Written on a cold winter solstice by guitarist and vocalist Ethan Heller, the song carried an original meaning of coming out of bleak darkness to find warmth and light. After the passing of the band’s original drummer, the song took on a new meaning for Heller. “After going through all of those emotions,we were finally able to find a light at the end of a dark tunnel of grief. It was coming back to ourselves, but in a new place, and I think that’s why the song is so powerful.”
The second single to drop, Hide (Testify) was described by Live For Live Music as “a telling song, emblematic of the Asheville mainstays’ continuing artistic development and an enticing preview of things to come.” Written by drummer Paul Gladstone, the track is a roller rink anthem, fit with booty shaking grooves and soulful, pleading vocals from bassist Josh Clark. Clark’s psychedelic prog tune Grundle was the third single released. In a Primus-meets-Zappa soundscape, the track is a perfect encapsulation of the band’s ability to transcend genre while still remaining accessible.
Recorded at The Eagle Room in Weaverville, NC under the guidance of producer Matt Williams, The Snozzberries new album is a mature rebirth for the band. Following the tragic and untimely death of former drummer Sean Mason, the group has since gone through lineup changes and a darker, more focused musical vision. While the group has remained active touring, this is their first full release in over four years.
Another album highlight is the final track, Biting Through penned by keyboardist Ian Taylor. The bouncy afrobeat-tinged powerhouse album closer stemmed from a spontaneous in-studio jam session. “When we went to record, we’d tracked all 9 songs on the first day, this being one of the last,” Heller said. “So we just started jamming on it and went wild. Afterwards, we all collectively said…yeah that’s the one. We worked with Matt Williams to construct a form out of the 13-plus minute jam session. Afterwards, Josh and Paul added in the percussion elements, making the song really come to life.”
The record features album artwork by longtime collaborator Josh Levy, whose psychedelic hand-drawn cover art adds to the record’s depth. Levy has once again paired The Snozzberries with elephant iconography, this time as a cosmic warrior floating in space with one broken tusk. Levy and his wife Amy Sims are also responsible for the kitschy back cover photograph, featuring the band posed as a play on Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Breakfast Club.
The Snozzberries new album is out Friday November 1st worldwide on all streaming platforms. Physical copies of the record are available on Vinyl and CD on the band’s website www.thesnozzberriesmusic.com
About The Snozzberries:
Formed in Asheville, NC in 2017, The Snozzberries is a high-energy progressive rock band fueled by passion and soul. Their unique blend of psychedelic rock, prog, and deep-fried funk has led to entertaining fans at festivals including Hulaween, Summer Camp, Resonance, Sweetwater 420 Fest, Warren Haynes Xmas Jam By Day and sharing the stage with bands including Papadosio, Here Come The Mummies, and Big Something. With a fresh lineup and polished, authentic sound, The Snozzberries deliver musical and lyrical journeys keeping listeners on their toes and eager for more. For single releases, tour dates, vinyl preorders, and more information, visit TheSnozzberriesMusic.com and follow on social @TheSnozzberriesAvl.
