LIVE: The Snuts @ The Sugarmill, Stoke 21.09.19

Review and Images by Jonathan Taylor

Instagram: @jonathantaylorphotography 

Formed in 2015 and heralding from West Lothian, Scotland, purely down to word of mouth, The Snuts, have already generated huge amount of interest and a justifiable amount of attention, which as a result, has seen them cement themselves as a firm favourites on this summer’s festival circuit. In the final straight of a 15 date sold out UK tour it is clear that The Snuts, after the release of a handful of standalone singles and the release of their first EP ‘The Matador’, are quickly gathering in momentum and are building a solid and dedicated fan base.

The next stop on the tour is The Sugarmill in Stoke on Trent. The venue is absolutely packed with rowdy revellers all waiting in anticipation with pints in hand ready for Saturday night of live music. As the house lights dim the crowd erupts as Jack Cochrane, who is filled to the brim with natural charisma and undoubted self belief, and his fellow comrades take to the stage.

The set opens with the bass driven groove ‘All Your Friends’ which soon builds and implodes into heavy guitar riffs which sees half filled plastic pint glasses launched in all directions and the crowd breaking into a sea of bouncing chaos. Up next is the beautifully melodic ‘Glasgow’ which showcases the strength and maturity of Jack’s song writing ability which is followed by ‘Seasons’, new track ‘Maybe California’ and ‘Boardwalk’. The title track off their EP ‘The Matador’ continues the set and then an energetic rendition and already established band anthem ‘Manhattan Project’ has the young, alcohol fuelled crowd propelled into another wave chaos and appreciation.

The rest of the band leave the stage and front man Cochrane holds his own as he engages with the crowd and tips his hat to local pop royalty Robbie Williams with an acoustic rendition of ‘Angels’. A stroke of genius on Jack’s part which has the crowd in a rapturous comical sing along.

Fellow band members Joe, Callum and Jordan return to the stage with fresh drinks in hand and the The Snuts play new song ‘Fatboy Slim’ which is without question one of the stand out tracks of the night and give us a glimpse into the standard of new material which will be part of the musical soundscape of their muchly anticipated debut album.

Jack continues to interact with the crowd in between songs and tells the story of how every local band in their home town in West Lothiam have shunned him and his fellow band mates at any given opportunity. So with that said, ‘Don’t Forget It (Punk)’ seems a fitting tribute and is a firm middle finger salute in their direction.

Further outings for tracks off their EP ‘The Matador’ sees an explosive sing along to fan favourite ‘What’s Going On?’ which is absolutely massive in statue and showcases exactly why The Snuts are having the impact they are on the live music circuit. ‘Summertime’ follows after which Cochrane thanks the larger soaked sweaty crowd for what has clearly been another wonderfully chaotic and raucous night of the tour. The set is brought to a close with the emotional ‘Sing for Your Supper’ which has the crowd taking to each other shoulders for the final anthemic sing along of the night.

After tonight’s live performance and the reaction of the crowd from start to finish, it is clear to see that The Snuts have struck gold in terms of a winning formula. The tight bond of friendship which is clear to see, with the transparency and honesty in Jack Cochrane’s lyrics backed by perfectly melodic anthems The Snuts have the songs to back their ambition and self belief. With the ink just about dry on their deal with Parlophone and a debut album for fans to look forward to, The Snuts are without question on the verge of something incredibly special.

 

Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor

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