Scotland has never been short on musical talent, and The Snuts are in no danger of letting the side down. Their brand new album, Joy in Short Moments, is their fourth studio offering and the second released through their own label, Happy Artist Records (in partnership with Virgin Music Group).
Formed in 2015, the band consists of schoolmates Joe McGillveray (lead guitar), Callum Wilson (bass), Jordan Mackay (drums), and Jack Cochrane (vocals and guitar). They’ve already chalked up some impressive milestones, including appearances at South by Southwest (SXSW), TRNSMT and Reading & Leeds, as well supporting Louis Tomlinson and Kings of Leon on tour.
Joy in Short Moments is a polished, upbeat collection of indie rock tunes, packed with catchy, guitar-driven melodies that immediately get stuck in your head. Alongside the infectious hooks are some reflective lyrics, with the band showing a growing maturity and an awareness of life’s impermanence and how the choices we make shape our journeys. It might be a product of the crazy times in which we live, but I’ve noticed similar introspection emerging among other artists lately. There’s something comforting about hearing musicians explore the way we live and what really matters.
One of my favourite tracks is the opener, “In Motion”, which Jack Cochrane explained:
“I jotted the title down in my notebook and felt that a time would present itself during the writing process to explore what it could mean for me. Joy In Short Moments became as much a navigational instrument for life as it did a record. It allowed me to better understand where the decisions I make on a daily basis might be leading me.
Within the track, I’m exploring the idea of making peace with the busyness and pace of life. I’m accepting impermanence in a way that previously would have terrified me. It also explores the idea of a life companion and the devotion you feel towards the person you’re travelling through the cosmos with.”
Another track I really enjoy is “Get Up, Get Out”, which is impossibly bouncy and makes you want to dance. It explores the need to lose yourself and forgive yourself to find freedom and peace, and just might become a new personal anthem.
Listening to Joy in Short Moments feels like being in the middle of a few thousand mates in the sunshine, singing your cares away. There’s a real retro vibe to it, which I mean as a compliment, but it still feels fresh and lovely. Arriving just in time for an Australian summer, this is one to get onto the playlist for those long, hot days and nights.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Photo credit: Sam McGill
