by aura
If you haven’t already listened to the latest release by this incredible Glasgow four-piece, you definitely should!
The album is a short treat, packed with huge sounds and wholesomeness. The band has stated on their social media that this record “was written with the sole intention of putting a smile on your face”. Such a sweet, yet bold statement for a band that’s moved back into the indie game, since leaving Parlophone and releasing their third body of work under their own label Happy Artist Records.
The album starts with the first single released way back last June. ‘Gloria’ is a love song that thrives in the simplicity and joy of everyday commitment. There’s an open and convincing earnest quality to the lyrics that leaves no doubt you can trust this lad’s love will always be around. The song is infused with all the brightness, and an infectious beat sets the tone for what this album brings. Quite a different direction from their two previous LPs, yet not completely surprising.
‘Millionaires’ comes rushing in with another truckload of love and honesty. Another single, It comes with a sound that’s more reminiscent of the 80s. While very danceable and radio ready, it still has that characteristic beat much beloved from these Scots. Even though the thought behind the song might not be groundbreaking, it serves as an important reminder of the things we should never forget to value.
Next is ‘Yoyo’, where the album title starts to really make sense. The song kicks off with a drawn out beat and melody having Jack’s voice front and center, presenting us with the universal experience of feeling too much. The mixing moves along, adding, then pulling sound from the front. It feels like a rollercoaster – or a yoyo, duh! Brilliant!
Then we move along to ‘NPC’. As a sleepyhead that dreads monotony this song feels so personal. The beat and bass on this song is something else. It has the playful quality of video game songs and the chorus brings a wall of sound that does not feel overwhelming at all, which is a risk with this kind of maximalist production. Banger!
‘Butterside Down’ is one of those songs that walks between acceptance and hopefulness, with a bright melody, light guitars, and a steady beat. It’s a tune to crank while driving with the windows down in search of a better future. Vocals are heartfelt and conversational, giving a sense of intimacy and kinship. It’s a beautiful ode to those times where you feel so damn unlucky, but “things are getting better… rain on my face feel like I’m healing”.
Next up is ‘Novastar’ and it’s another bop. The song has this old timey quality with an infectious beat. You can’t help but want to dance to this one. Blues, psychedelia and pop infused deliciousness. It’s a bold celebration of existence and growth, made into a straight up banger. It’s a huge yes for me.
‘Dreams’ is another one released prior to the album. It’s a song that made me wish I wasn’t so single. It’s like a sister song to ‘Gloria’ or at least to me it feels that way, sort of like a continuation of that feeling of mundane wonderment over finding someone to share life in such a way. The song is upbeat and soft, filled with sweet chords and vocals.
Moving along there’s ‘Wunderkind’. It starts with a soft guitar and vocals, telling us how sometimes things in life feel a bit much to deal with. Then progresses into a more upbeat sound, with some synth added to the mix and an amazing drop into the chorus that hooks you in. Our deadbeat millennial protagonist – that is also all of us – decides to just take the plunge into happiness, never mind anxieties and debt, life should be enjoyed. Amen!
Second to last is ‘Deep Diving’, another single that comes with a more chill beat and dream pop influence that works as the backdrop for the reflective song. This is another one where the bass sounds incredible. Also the drop is chef’s kiss.
Closing the album is ‘Circles’, a perfect choice! Jack’s vocals are amazing here, paired with the softness of strings and the sweetness of the drums, it creates an expansive soundscape that I’m sure will be otherworldly when played live.
Millennials manages to encapsulate the experiences of navigating adulthood for a whole generation that’s the first to be defined by globalization. No matter where in the world you are from, we all seem to have similar voices in our heads. It’s a brilliant album that uses honest day-to-day language paired with loads of pop-culture references and meme-like communication to make you feel less cringe, leaving you with the feeling that it’s ok to push for happiness in the little things as a measure of success.
Suffice it to say that they definitely accomplished what they set out to do. If you’re not smiling by the end of the 30-minute LP, then I don’t know what to tell you… there might be something wrong with your face.
The Snuts are gearing up for a headline tour in North America, including an appearance at Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival in Monterrey, Mexico, one of Latin America’s biggest and most popular festivals. They’ve also got upcoming dates in Australia, Japan, and the UK.
Update February 28
Just now the band dropped the deluxe version of the album on iTunes. I’m shooketh! It comes with acoustic versions of ‘Gloria’ and ‘Millionaires’, plus four new tracks.
‘Mexico’ (which, as a fun aside from someone whose first language is Spanish, they actually pronounce correctly), is a fun head-bopping tune that takes you on a trip to Latin America via Scotland beats. Total bop!
There’s also an outstanding shoegaze version of ‘What’s Going On’ (renamed WGO) a lively and lovely demo called ‘Jam_5.mp3’, filled with summer vibes and ‘Right Hand Girl’, which gave me all the warm feelings of being in love, even though I’m quite single.
Get it if you can, and enjoy!
Update March 1
Congratulations are in order for The Snuts, who held onto their midweek second-place position in the official UK charts, making Millennials their third consecutive top 3 album. It’s their first, however, since launching their own label, so an incredible milestone in its own right. Bravo, gents!
Indie Dependent 
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