Snapshot
by The Strypes
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2013
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
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  1. Mab_987
    Apr 21, 2014
    6
    The Strypes show an impressive ability to recreate the garage rock/rhythm & blues sound of the 60's & 70's. And they do manage to come through with some great tracks in that vein with a lot of energy & infectious hooks/riffs. The problem (in my opinion) is that the songs themselves don't make much effort to go past the basics, and as a result some are less remarkable than others.

    (To    The Strypes show an impressive ability to recreate the garage rock/rhythm & blues sound of the 60's & 70's. And they do manage to come through with some great tracks in that vein with a lot of energy & infectious hooks/riffs. The problem (in my opinion) is that the songs themselves don't make much effort to go past the basics, and as a result some are less remarkable than others.

    (To see my full review where I go more in-depth, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  2. olibbb
    Mar 2, 2014
    4
    The Strypes are a curious band, dressing like confused Mods of the 1960's while playing music that their Grandparents may have listened to, all at breakneck speed. An interesting cocktail that is only partially successful and maybe this is due to the genuine immaturity of the band. "Snapshot" is indeed a snapshot and nothing more or less. It is a snapshot of an era long gone, it is aThe Strypes are a curious band, dressing like confused Mods of the 1960's while playing music that their Grandparents may have listened to, all at breakneck speed. An interesting cocktail that is only partially successful and maybe this is due to the genuine immaturity of the band. "Snapshot" is indeed a snapshot and nothing more or less. It is a snapshot of an era long gone, it is a snapshot of musicians stuck in the past, it is a snapshot of four teenagers with genuine talent, but it is also a snapshot of how that talent is sadly wasted on poorly written songs, and an elongated genre exercise.
    "Mystery Man" being the obvious place to start, the song is great fun, fast and infectious. It is a fun start to an album and should get everyone up on their feet. It is only when Blue Collar Jane starts that it is suddenly evident from the first thirty seconds that it is pretty much the same as the first track. Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Instrumental, Verse (stripped down without lead guitars) etc. It's all perfectly executed and very impressive but it remains soulless songwriting. The lyrics are downright awful, "she just wants some milk and sugar, but all I want is her."? I mean, really? The melodies are tired and revolve around the same three chords over and over. Yes guys, the 1960's happened, get over it. The covers meanwhile add nothing to the originals and are as boring and badly executed as the new compositions.
    Overall, the band should be applauded for their attempts at reviving guitar music and having the backbone to stick to their convictions as well as the talent they all obviously hold. But there is no need to make a record if you have nothing new to say. Stick to the live shows lads.    … Expand
  3. Rasmuth
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    The guys are terrifically talented. Each musician plays their instruments with reckless precision and result is some seriously infectious music, loaded with groove and guts. Are they inventing anything new? No....they don't need too...it's rock in it's purest form, heavy hitting, honest and done so damn well. That's what I love about these guys...they get so much right! They have theThe guys are terrifically talented. Each musician plays their instruments with reckless precision and result is some seriously infectious music, loaded with groove and guts. Are they inventing anything new? No....they don't need too...it's rock in it's purest form, heavy hitting, honest and done so damn well. That's what I love about these guys...they get so much right! They have the chops, the look and now they have the cd to back it up. Buy it...crank it up and enjoy. It rocks so damn well.… Collapse

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Jul 17, 2014
    67
    Sneer away, jaded hipster. All you're missing is rock & roll being saved.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    60
    The result is an exciting, albeit one-paced, record, but one that arrives with a significant question mark over its purpose. [Oct 2013, p.98]
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 31, 2013
    40
    Snapshot consists largely of new material written to ape the 50s and 60s standards they've been covering live since puberty. And that's it's downfall. [Nov 2013, p.95]
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