Labels: Snuffy Smile
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Not again. More top o’ the range melodic punk courtesy of Japan, this time from Navel. Can Snuffy Smile do no wrong?
Navel are just the poppiest! ‘Uneasy’ is so fun to listen to. Really upbeat and packed to the brim with spacehopper-esque bounce, this is hands down a good listen for the entire 24 minutes. Their tunes storm a long at quite a rate, but they never forget to put a tune in. And they have the art of the harmony nailed. Oh wow, much of the singing on this just sends the heart soaring and you’re on cloud 9.
Things are broken up with the occasional hardcore blast, such as “Hate”. These intersperse such gems as “Postcard” which sounds like Blew and Goober Patrol dueting. These Japanese bands sure know how to sing like punk rockers, yet be truly endearing at the same time. Other influences spread over here that I could pick out would be Travis Cut, Skimmer, and Snuff.
Lyrically they are often at odds with their happyfest of sound, and the song “Smile” is actually way depressed. I’m sure most will relate to “No Change”, a song about failing to grow up.
Why have FAT when you can have chocolate, yummy sweets and a huge milkshake? Fast and tuneful punk the way I like it, the way it sounds good. Too good. Way too good.