Snailbones is an emerging independent band from Portland, Oregon with a sound born of the great Northwest punk tradition. The band formed in 2017 and made their professional recording debut in 2022 with the album Tinnitus Alrightus. That record introduced the noise/punk power-trio of guitarist Timothy Francis, bassist Kelly Minton and drummer Drew Owens.
After cutting their teeth for a couple of years on the stages of their hometown’s legendary music scene, in 2020, like musicians around the world, they found themselves grounded by COVID quarantines and lockdowns. So they hit the studio. In a whirlwind five-day session at Map Room Studios the group recorded two albums worth of material.
Keelhaul ’em All is the second of those two albums, available worldwide via all major streaming services. The 9-song set pops with all the energy of a live show. This is the sound of a road tested young rock band at the top of their game.
The Snailbones vibe is deeply rooted in the punk and metal of decades past. The sounds of the Pacific Northwest’s grungy past are a big influence. However, the band weaves threads of classic rock, indie, acid rock, and even new wave into their songs.
The album rumbles to life with the Territorial Pissings meets Dazed and Confused wallop of “Mouse Clap”. From there the band continues to spin their own distinctive brand of punk-infused hard rock. They pair Nirvana-style angst with Sonic Youth noise on tracks like “Dead Inside” and “Dissension”, and recall early Pixies on “Break the Day Apart” and “Floating”.
“Sweet and Serene” takes a neat turn, pairing a classic 50’s pop chord progression with a hard dose of 90’s rage. “Slave To Hate” matches a funky Talking Heads vibe with a loose garage rock feel. And “Death Face” adds a bit of Butthole Surfers-style Texas charm.
Check Snailbones performing live in-studio for the show Bridge City Sessions below. Listen to the album on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the track Sweet and Serene” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist.
Keelhaul ’em All was mixed by Matt Boynton (the Breeders – All Nerve) and mastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. Snailbones is currently writing their third album and will be recording in Chicago with legendary producer Steve Albini (Nirvana) in March of 2023. Follow the links below to connect with the band.
