Review Summary: Hypnotically fun psychedelia for those who like it dangerous.
Psychedelic music is an unbelievably cluttered genre. There are so many sub-genres and sub-genres of sub-genres that also get lumped in as psychedelic. The term "psychedelic" in a musical context can seem a bit like a blanket genre these days. It's a daunting task to sift through and find the cream of the crop.
Super Snake sticks out like a glaring diamond in the endless sea of bands trying to "push the envelope" or sheepishly use the guise of "psychedelic" to lend an air of cool to their brand of music. However, "Leap of Love" is a no frills, no apologies, take no prisoners kind of onslaught of true psych; it is apparent the band does not really care to please the fair weather, casual psychedelic listener. There are so many details and pieces of ear candy to get lost in that the music truly becomes mind manifesting. The band pays careful attention to curating a textural and haunting masterpiece tone by tone and vocal layer by vocal layer.
The guitars are the first thing to stick out here as they blow out of your stereo like someone trying to recall Black Sabbath's "Sabotage" from a distant memory but with a succinct focus on the massive tone. The major riffs here are not only memorable, but beautifully hummable as well; for example, listen to guitarist, Joe Laga's, spellbinding pre-bridge hook in "Spirit Cave." There are also moments where influences of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine come spiraling through the mix via Pete August's peculiar take on guitar noise: wet, loose, swirly, and bendy in a flood of feedback. Producer/mixer, Kevin Antreassian of
The Dillinger Escape Plan, is absolutely integral to the guitars on this album as demonstrated by bizarre mixing techniques and some really clutch stereo panning that will not only confuse you, but hypnotize you as well. Is that a sitar at the end of "Dreamcoated"? Are those vocals in the "Spirit Cave" intro or guitars? Anyhow, "Dreamcoated" and "Spirit Cave" are prime examples of top notch guitar production without ever sounding too slick or overdone.
"Leap of Love" is also for the low-end junkies. The bass goes from playful and spirited to downright menacing and carnivorous; willing to swallow the entire mix during segues of shoegazey feedback (e.g the title track). Loud/soft dynamics aren't afraid to be ramped up the occasional 808 bass drop "boom." There are times where the listener will actually feel uneasy or nervous with some of the subtle bass tones that construct the backbone of the album. Super Snake bassist, Jesse Mariani, adds frequencies not unlike well designed horror films that utilize inaudible tones that physically make audience members experience dread. "Lavish Sum of Dread" is exactly that when you experience the track through high end speakers or headphones (which either/or are highly recommended to truly feel this record). Mariani also attacks the listener on a whole different front with his layers of keyboards. The synths and sounds lend a huge helping hand to the gritty and grimy texture that perverts the underbelly to some of Snake's most dynamic songs: "Sister Margaret", "Too Late, Who Cares", and "Take My Breath." They also guide the heavy psychedelia to twist around the guitars and some of the vocals.
The drums are a torrential downpour of hypnotic 4/4s that splinter into more bizarre signatures, then slowly burn off back into kick-down-the-***ing-door marauder beats. Vinnie Fiore utilizes every inch of his kit, which include wood blocks and a cowbell. He doesn't just stop there though; bongos, extra toms, snares, and percussive instruments so exotic I'm not sure what they even are, explode at the end of "Dreamcoated." Be warned though, Fiore can make you feel like you just got off a roller coaster that was completely made of dizzying loops. "Big Seize" and "Hot Pavement" come to mind.
Last, but certainly not least, the vocals and lyrics are truly something special on "Leap of Love." Jerry Jones, who also fronts
Trophy Scars, is the icing on the cake. I wouldn't have heard of Super Snake this early in their career if it wasn't for Trophy Scars, and I was bummed when I learned of TS's hiatus in 2016. But I really don't find this reminiscent of Trophy Scars. Most of Jones' vocal approach here sounds fresh and treads new trippy waters. The veteran singer brings an acute affectation to every line delivered, which is also true with Trophy Scars, but the delivery is much more breezy and slippery and doesn't heavily rely on his Tom Waits-esque growl. Again, Antreassian's production adds a whole new layer by giving the vocals a psychedelic bath in delay, overdrive, and some other wild effects. The vocal panning demonstrates a subtle mystique to Jones' personality, which has been mostly forefront with his previous work. Some melodies are phrased as haunting, psychedelic mantras, like "Get Lost, Be Mine" or the line "Do you really want to work all day?" in the album closer "Too Late Who Cares." The lyrics are both riddled with black humor and completely self aware. The songs are all character driven, containing all sorts of exploitative love affairs. Elements of B-horror and true crime show up only to be met with backhanded lines that seem blatantly personal. Jones isn't showboating on this record and it's all the better for it. Instead, listeners are given a chance to hear him having fun with the most confident he's been in his career.
I had this giant, goofy smile smeared across my face throughout the entire listening experience of "Leap of Love." It also happens to be a significant grower. "Leap of Love" rewards multiple listens like many true, great psychedelic rock albums because of all the scrupulous detail and textural layers. The 12 tracks and hour length may overwhelm some but this music isn't made for the passive listener and Super Snake certainly doesn't mind weeding them out. A lot of genres have been thrown around when describing Super Snake and I think there has been a little bit of truth to all of them: doom, psychedelic, hard rock, pop, garage, stoner, and even goth. If you are a music fan that can commit to a dedicated listen, "Leap of Love" is not to be missed.
