After playing several festivals over the summer, with appearances at Leeds and Reading, 2000 Trees, and Burn It Down, to name just a few, Brighton- and Sheffield-based band SNAYX (pronounced Snakes) embarked on their first headline tour of the year. Titled ‘Strutfast’, the tour featured a handful of locations across the United Kingdom, with Soapbox as support. On September 23rd, these two acts landed themselves at The Key Club in Leeds, renowned for its small 300 capacity, which was without any doubt suitable for an intense and energetic performance.
With only one support on the lineup, doors opened at 7 pm. There was a short turnout of individuals who had chosen to queue early, which was understandable considering it was a Tuesday evening. During the hour wait before Glasgow punk band Soapbox were due to grace the stage, it was easy for one to be mistaken into thinking that the venue floor was looking somewhat vacant. As soon as there were signs that the performance was about to commence, the presence in the room had miraculously multiplied, putting any doubt out of mind. Soon, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the support act kicked off the night.
The Glasgow punk band wasted no time in bringing an invigorating and captivating presence to the stage, with the audience unable to resist reciprocating that energy. Everyone within the room seemed determined to move and jump and to cover as much of the small surface area that constituted the venue floor and stage as possible. Vocalist Tom Rowan and guitarist Angus Husbands even ventured out and got involved in the crowd on a few occasions, using the low ceiling beams as a climbing apparatus. At one point, Rowan even got on the shoulders of one of the members of the audience. The antics throughout the night were nonstop. As if their commitment to providing an entertaining display wasn’t enough, their music delivered raw and passionate vocals with catchy and relevant lyricism, punchy bass lines, guitar licks, and fervent and powerful drumming. All in all, the music was memorable and fun. Their set definitely established the tone for the evening; chaotic, loud, unapologetic and defiant. It served as a brilliant introduction to anyone new to their music or this band’s character. They used their time to address the audience in between songs and encouraged them to keep resisting and speaking up relentlessly, even during adversity, as both bands tonight showcased the Palestine flag on stage during their sets.
At 9 pm, it was time for SNAYX. The audience was evidently eager for their arrival, and as soon as the trio embraced the stage, the energy continued and intensified as if it hadn’t been momentarily paused. Their set commenced with their 2022 single ‘Work’, immediately providing an infectious bass line that effortlessly provoked movement within the room. Their mixture of electronic elements with playful punk lyrics shows why they have been captivating audiences the way they do, producing a powerful blend that showcases how they have made the most of their chosen instruments. The band has rejected the traditional choice of guitars and relies solely on the unique and electrifying sound of Ollie Horner’s bass and Lainey Loop’s relentless and dynamic drumming. Charlie Herridge’s vocals really seal the deal, perfectly amplifying their bold and compelling lyrics in a fervent and distinctive style. They have a formula that works for them, and it evidently shows.
Throughout the night, the energy continued, now with the addition of a few crowdsurfers and stage divers. SNAYX played a handful of recognisable tracks from their discography, such as ‘Sink or Swim’, ‘Boys in Blue’, their latest single from back in April this year, ‘Strut’, and even a cover of ‘Breathe’ by the Prodigy. Their audience interaction was a key ingredient for their performance, with both Herridge and Horner leaning over the stage and into the crowd to encourage the antics within the room. Finally, as the night drew to a close, Horner surfed into the crowd with his guitar, as a signature move that seems to be becoming a staple of their shows.
This show was a fun and engaging experience that was immersive and enjoyable, no matter where you stood in the venue, and it was a shame it had to come to an end. However, for those who have also enjoyed this show as much and wish they could have experienced this atmosphere again for a moment longer, you can catch Soapbox supporting Kid Kapichi on a handful of occasions in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, SNAYX will be supporting Skindred across a few dates in October and November across the United Kingdom.
