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The B-Net awards have proven a great way of predicting the "next big thing" in NZ music – and after being voted NZ’s most promising new act in 2005, The Sneaks represented one of the more anticipated local debuts of 2007.
The good news is that they don’t disappoint.
Their self-titled album is 14 tracks of pure pop escapism. Coming in at just over 30 minutes, this is the wrong place to look for a sweeping, rock epic. These guys like their music super fast, quirky, and with a seemingly self imposed challenge to fit as many hooks as possible into two short minutes.
The tools they use to make this happen are frenetic guitars, hand claps, old style backing vocals and of course, the indispensable casiotone keyboard. The crazy thing is, it works.
Standout tracks include ‘Throwback’, ‘I’m Lame’ and ‘Scenester’ – all perfect examples of their 60’s type sound, getting a 00’s makeover. However, even these tracks have the potential of being overshadowed by the hilarious ‘North Shore Pussy’. The change of pace that this song provides sits perfectly at the midpoint of the album. It’s the “half time oranges” if you will, before resuming regular high speed transmission.
Lastly, be sure to check out the video for 'I’m Lame', quite simply the best use of NZ on Air funding we may ever see. www.thesneaks.co.nz/videos.htm
These guys are off to ply their wares overseas shortly, so be sure to indulge while you still can.
Essential Tracks
Throwback
I’m Lame
North Shore Pussy
Full Track Listing
1. Throwback (2:02)
2. I'm Lame (2:39)
3. Passing Notes (1:43)
4. Cindy's A Zombie Now (2:41)
5. Scenester (2:50)
6. Bus Bitch (1:29)
7. North Shore Pussy (2:07)
8. La Week Des Sneaks (1:48)
9. Surf Bin Ein Awesome (1:51)
10. Ich Bin Ein Awesome (1:57)
11. Liquor In Chaps (2:11)
12. No Sex! (2:06)
13. Sneaks City Shutdown (1:57)
14. El Scaredy Cat (2:57)
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