Getting Snippy with Whisky Rocks

 

(This entry is part of an ongoing guest blog series I am writing for Aux and LCBO’s Whisky Rocks.)

For my second stand-out entry in LCBO’s Whisky Rocks contest, we’re going to slow things down a bit. So, get that special tattooed, lip-ringed someone, hold them close, and get ready for sway-inducing “O’Brother” by The Snips.

The Snips are first-and-foremost a punk band, which you can definitely hear in frontman Ricky Pridmore’s voice, but this song is a slow build, featuring a melancholy trumpet riff, and lyrics about lost love. Around the 3 minute mark, things start to speed up and intensify, culminating in a storm of instrumentation topped off with Pridmore’s punk scream to remind you that this isn’t just some “emo” tune.

The Snips have been around in various incarnations for about 10 years, which is more than enough time to perfect their live show. Expect sweaty dudes. A lot of arms pumping the air during the important parts. And moshing.

And this song, “O’Brother,” isn’t the only song from their new album to have get a video – they actually got 10 different directors to shoot a video for each of their 10 new songs. So, not only are they getting their music out there in a creative way, they’re giving people in other creative fields a chance to express themselves, too.

So, maybe we should give The Snips a chance to express themselves and vote for them to open for The Trews! Isn’t a punk show just what we need? MOSHPIT!

I’m SORRY!

Seriously, I am. I’ve been missing in action, big time. Haven’t had internet in 48 hours and my phone is still offline so I can’t update from the van, only when we get to a hotel… IF they have wireless.

Who know unlocking a phone would be such an ordeal? I didn’t. But, on the bright side, I’ve gotten to see several of America’s fine shopping centres. I think I’ve spent at least 5 hours in malls in the last couple days just trying to get my phone working. At least they have good food courts!

We’re about to pile in the van and head from Kansas City to Denver. It’s gonna be a long drive and apparently I’m going to have driving duty at some point. I’ve never driven the van. It’s a beast. I’m afraid. I’ll make sure someone takes video.

In the meantime, this is my usual view in the van, from the back seat (which happens to also be the best seat for napping).

And here’s a shot from their show in Welland on the weekend. It was at a pizza place/bar called the Rex Hotel. It reminded me of my grandpa’s house but with really good pizza, tons of booze and rad people. And also, Hollerado playing live with Topanga and the Snips.

And here’s what I get to come home to every night:

Jake and Dean in something "more comfortable"

Jake and Nick in the photo I think they should put on their Christmas card this year

I know, I know, you’re jealous. But just try to remember… beer + boys + hours and hours together in enclosed spaces = I kind of wish I brought a clothespin. For my nose.

And now, TO DENVER!