LIVE: The Snuts @ Rock City, Nottingham 21.10.22

Review and Photography by Jonathan Taylor

Instagram: jonathantaylorphotography

Following the release of their critically acclaimed number 1 debut album ‘WL’ in 2021 and after locking horns with their record label Parlophone to successfully bring forward the release of their second album ‘Burn The Empire, The Snuts embark on a 17 date UK tour, playing venues that are the biggest capacity of their career to date.

Tonight’s stop is Rock City in Nottingham. As proceedings begin, the notable difference since the bands last live shows is the significant increase in production value. The audience was engulfed in samples and transition sections in between tracks with a digital screen that fills the back of the stage which was exploding with graphics and politically driven illustrations and thought provoking imagery throughout the evening. There is a real sense of progression and creative foresight from the band, which is a statement of intent as to the direction the band is taking and the conscious agenda and message they want to deliver.

The evening opens with ‘Pigeons in New York’, off the latest album, which is followed by fan favourite ‘Glasgow’. The set continues with new tracks, ‘Knuckles’ and ‘The Rodeo’ which sound flawless live and merge perfectly with bass driven ‘All Your Friends’ and ‘Always’.

The evening is heavy laden with new material with the likes of ‘Hallelujah Moment’, hip hop inspired ‘Zuckerpunch’ and ‘Blah Blah Blah’. ‘13’ is a stripped back master class which show cases front man Jack Cochrane’s vocal ability and maturity in his story telling and lyrical delivery. In the interest of balance, The Snuts draw on their back catalogue, with the likes of ‘Don’t Forget it Punk’, ‘Juan Belmonte’ and the stunning ‘Seasons’.

The encore opens with ‘Burn The Empire’ which implodes into heavy guitar riffs with politically driven visuals beaming from the big screen throughout. The evening is brought to a close with ‘Fatboy Slim’ which in a stroke of genius samples ‘Praise You’, leaving the crowd chanting long after The Snuts have left the stage.

After tonight’s performance, it is abundantly clear that The Snuts have struck gold in terms of a winning formula. The transparency and honesty in Jack Cochrane’s song writing, backed by perfectly melodic anthems, The Snuts have the songs to back their ambition and self belief. New tracks are political and socially aware in their sentiment and it’s refreshing to hear a band of The Snuts generation using their musical platform to highlight social injustice and political agendas. With their second album release under their belts, and the ability to bring such a sense of unity with their music, it is incredibly exciting time for the lads from West Lothian who are on quiet a journey. Long may that journey and their level of musical creativity continue.

Set List: