The Snozzberries are a ‘70s psych rock-influenced, progressive rock band whose self-titled sophomore release takes listeners on a journey back in time, featuring a focus on bass, drums, guitar, and vocals. Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, the four-piece band consists of singer/guitarist Ethan Heller, singer/bassist Josh Clark, singer/keyboardist Ian Taylor, and singer/drummer Paul Gladstone.
The Snozzberries revive the era when music was pure yet heavy, never diluted or softened. The album opens with the electrifying instrumental “Darkness,” setting the tone with its dynamic energy. “Returns” continues in a similar psychedelic rock vein but kicks up the tempo, adding an invigorating burst of energy to the track. The band frequently straddles the line between heavy psychedelia and progressive rock, but the tracks remain firmly rooted in the heavier genre. Despite dabbling in varied styles, The Snozzberries refuse to conform to any formula. Drummer Paul Gladstone holds the music together with skill, anchoring the jams throughout the album. Even when the band ventures into more experimental territory, there’s always something solid for listeners to latch onto. This balance—between prog rock, jam, and psych—is a natural strength for The Snozzberries.
“Living Without You” offers a jazz-inspired electric piano intro that’s tranquil and introspective, showcasing the band’s ability to play with dynamics and mood. The album returns to a heavier sound with “Circling the Drain,” an anthemic track filled with high-octane rock energy. “Gueparado Morado” is another standout instrumental that highlights The Snozzberries’ proficiency in purely instrumental compositions.
The band’s sound is rooted in a deep appreciation for the organic essence of rock music, and this album serves as a testament to their love and unwavering devotion to progressive and psychedelic rock. The production, while rough around the edges and occasionally frayed, contributes to the album’s raw charm. It evokes the unpolished enthusiasm of Metallica‘s Kill ‘Em All, offering a similarly unrefined yet passionate experience. The rough edges, like those on the riff-driven “The Storm,” give the album an authentic, old-school rock feel. The riffs themselves act as launching pads for solos—whether from guitar or keyboard—that emerge with the bite and precision of a viper. The solos throughout the album are not overly technical or delivered at blistering speeds, but they fit perfectly within the songs, and sometimes, that’s what matters most.
With this album, The Snozzberries deliver a powerful, stripped-down sonic experience that captures the raw energy of rock. The riffs are heavy and crushing, but there’s much more beneath the surface. As a quartet, the band fills every track with a rich, full sound. Though they might be labeled as a “jam” band, there’s a method to their madness, and their raw talent and boundless energy are undeniable throughout the record.
The Snozzberris is released on November 1st. Visit the Snozzberries website for more info, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
With this album, The Snozzberries deliver a powerful, stripped-down sonic experience that captures the raw energy of rock.
