The Scottish rockers sophomore album shows off their fiery songwriting and social consciousness.
Now an established indie outfit after a number 1 album and multiple headline tours, The Snuts return 18 months after their debut album ‘W.L’ with another impressive outing.
The finished product has arrived earlier than initially expected. The band took to Twitter last month asking fans to “bombard” their record company with demands of releasing the album early so it could be heard live when their UK tour begins. A bold action that’s reflected in the music.
It’s clear to see why the Scots were so eager to release it earlier, as the new album is not just their best material yet, but also filled with songs that were made to be sung by thousands.
Thematically, ‘Burn the Empire’ is less concerned with the working class upbringings spoken of on their first album, focusing instead on the political and social issues on the tips of everyone’s tongues.
Take the title track and album opener for example, with Cochrane yelling lyrics of “the world’s controlled by controlling people/So come on people.” While the hook may lack some nuance, the overall package is still filled with a fiery passion their fans know them best for and successfully sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Following this is ‘Zuckerpunch’, a snappy song filled with guitar licks and drums that wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic game of FIFA Street. The song commentates on the overwhelming influence of technology and social media with reflective lyrics of, “Walk with me down memory lane, when the phone in your pocket only had a few games.”, creating a strong sense of nostalgia which will most definitely appeal to the older listener.
‘Knuckles’ is a welcomed change of tone, an endearing tune accompanied by sun-soaked guitar leads and warming lyrics of, “It’s been a long time since you been all mine”, that all combine to create a potential festival anthem.
Pumping rhythms take a step back on, ‘End of the Road’ which shifts sonically to a more mellow outing and the result is a true standout on the album. The song opens with an orchestral instrumental, and near the tail end features elegant vocals from Rachel Chinouriri for good measure.
On the penultimate track, ‘Yesterday’, the band fade into the background leaving Cochrane with just himself and his guitar. The result is a reflective moment of tranquillity with lyrics, “Why does it feel like I keep running all the way/From a storm that I dreamt coming, yesterday.” The final cut, ‘Blah Blah Blah’ is delivered with a voice of vexation, repeating themes of political angst that helps bring the album to a satisfying and exciting close.
‘Burn the Empire’ comes together with different sounds and themes that never feel helplessly distant from each other. Cochrane’s confident voice helps make the case for the band to step into different genres, simultaneously pushing the boundaries of their sound but still sounding familiar.
Most importantly, throughout the album, there is a driving energy and relentless urge from the band to say what is on their minds. All of it collides to provide not just an impressive effort but a boastful statement of intent.