Snapcase - End Transmission
2002 / 45:47 Minutes / 13 Tracks / Studio
Release Date: September 24, 2002 - Victory
Produced by: Brian McTernan
Website: www.snapcase.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on August 18, 2002

From the days of The Plugz in the 70s, delivering garage band punk in its most frenetic form but largely unrecognized for all their talent. And yet they were the main influence for a label roster full of artists. Fast forward to another excellent hardcore band that showcases its very obvious talents and recording savvy in its newest release, End Transmission, and you get the same story. And not that this band belongs on a bigger label either. Victory Records is as good an independant label, with some of the most wonderful managers that I've had the pleasure to work with, that you'll get.

The band, Snapcase, has been in the guts of it for many years, dating as far back as 1989. Many albums later and much more studio wise, they turn in what can only be termed a magnificent release with all the heat of a nuclear warhead. Snapcase has been cited as a main influence for many popular bands like P.O.D. and others; it is very evident in their releases and is prominent in this newest. So, how does a band like this not outsell the likes of P.O.D.? I don't know. So, an admonition is in order here. What's wrong with you people?

This CD of 13 tunes is a delight to hear. The force of the band is combined with highly intelligent lyrical output. The communication is pushed through your speakers with the most exciting use of bass lines, guitar pieces, vocal tricks and expressive, and studio wizardry that I have heard in a long, long time. And I'm hard to please. Sonic gifts such as the diamond pieces (no diamonds in the rough here, there are 13 mined and highly polished compositions on this disc) exhibited here are rare.

"The Beat", a tune warning of the upcoming change of compliance to a law that all follows with the exception of the upper class, is expertly played. The echo chorus filters the ambient ringing warning that replays in the ears of the lost as the words of prophets. The call to "Believe, Revolt" is the current cry for the middle class to avoid the upcoming fate. Other excellent choices on this disc, that showcase incredible musicianship are the drum paced "Ten A.M.", the eerily melodic and anthemic "New Kata", "A Synthesis of Classic Forms", and the incredible, "Exile Etiquette." The heartbeat of the album is the stunning "I.D./Hindsight", the end result of the nightmare that is warned about thoroughout the conceptual ideology of this disc. The song begins and ends with a bass driven heart pulse that stirs and caps the superior design of this album.

DISC

I have to hand it to the expert engineering and production of Brian McTernan who has created an interesting and exciting use of stereo separation. The songs are crisp, clear,and well thought out. The sequencing of the songs and the concept that they embody is exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the left/right channel switches; the single use of a channel for effect, and the clarity of each instrument. None were overpowering when they were not needed, the bane of many hardcore bands who opt for high decibel attacks when a whiff of silence can be just as effective. Well done production. I'm keeping an eye out for McTernan.

PACKAGING

The packaging here is perfect and to be commended. As a matter of fact, bands and labels should take heed as to how this was created. You have a fold out lyric sheet with an expansive photography that enhances the sheet. This sheet is tucked into a high quality cover sheet that makes a clever use of the bar code, incorporating it into the art of the package. Another example of the influence and innovation of Snapcase. If the front of the disc seems faded, and it is, it merely adds to the allure of the entire package. Inside, the seat of the case makes use of a core credo for the band...Revolt!

THE FINAL SAY

You cannot go wrong with this disc. A concept album that warns of the upcoming superiority of a few monster corporations that dehumanize the middle class, stripping them of their money while forcing ideologies and laws corralling the masses like cattle. Plus...it's a great CD. For real.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue