Snog

review by Travis Baumann

I had been anticapating an opportunity to see Snog live for years now. I first got into Snog when they released the album "Dear Valued Customer".

Snog's biting sarcasm and genuine wit were a breath of fresh air combined with their electronic experimentation and exceptional song-writing, they quicklybecame one of my favorite bands.

In the past I had contemplated traveling to San Fransisco or as far as New York City to witness Snog or even one of master-mind David Thrussell's side projects.

Finally, the chance to see them live in Los Angeles arrived when Domination Presents booked a show right in Hollywood. Snog played a small venue called "The Gig" on Melrose Avenue in the heart of the trendy area.

Sanguis et Cinis opened for them putting Snog on at nearly Midnight. The small club was completely packed and anxious for the band to go on.

As things started, ominous chanting eminated over the empty stage. I could recognize the chanting but couldn't place it, but Tina immediately identified it as the chanting from "Eyes Wide Shut" which set a nice ambiance.

The band revealed themselves and took their places, two keyboardists, one on either side of David Thrussell on vocals. A large projection screen hung behind the trio showing an ever-shifting montage of images recognizable immediately as trade-mark Snog iconary, mutated marketing icons, world leaders, and other brilliant manipulations.

David was continuously in motion as he darted and bobbed to the heavy beat. Every song was powerful electronics at their best, moving and danceable. They did favorite anthems from every album, focusing on the heavier songs and leaving the ballads for at home listening.

My favorites included "The Future", "Real Estate Man", "Hey, Christian God", "Head Sand", "Shop", "Hunter", "Bank", and so many more, it's hard to remember all the songs they did, they covered so much material.

All in all it was a phenominal experience and even had I travelled far and wide, I am sure I would be wholely satisfied judging from the excellent experience.

David puts on a good show, his stage presence is energetic and the sound perfect. The visuals added an intense and intelligent stimulus which impacted the show quite nicely.

If you have the opportunity to see Snog live I would highly recommend that you take it.

It was certainly worth the wait all these years.

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