Music > Album Reviews

The Amazing Snakeheads // Amphetamine Ballads

23/04/14

Any album that opens with the cocky sound of a gong ringing out better live up to the high expectation it just set for itself. Luckily for Glasgow trio The Amazing Snakeheads, they seemed to have just about pulled it off. Their first LP proves to be a brooding mass of grumbling bass line, deep gutteral vocals, horn sections and attitude. Lead single ‘Flatlining’ instantly hooks you in with its meandering rhythms and visceral energy that set the tone for the whole album. Think The 13th Floor Elevators, fronted by a punk Jim Morrison with a dollop of Peter Green guitar and Tom Waits drawl thrown in for good measure and you’re somewhere close. On ‘Here It Comes Again’ there is even a Joy Division quality to the rhythm section: solid, industrial, dangerous. The influences are clear and when combined create something that is almost original. It’s impressive and indulgent.

Unfortunately ‘Tiger By The Tail’ meanders into poor Bad Seeds imitation territory. I originally thought excitedly that this could have been lifted straight off 'Murder Ballads', before realising I was actually cringing. Yet there is a naivety on this track that is intriuging and promising. If they can move beyond the crass hero worship, what fresh magic will they generate next? I cannot wait to find out. 'Amphetamine Ballads' is dirty, psychedelic, industrial and undeniably sexy. This record is all vibe, borderline disturbing but definitely not depressing, and any band that can achieve that is one to get genuinely excited about.