We have compiled many reviews from around the world who have praised, critisized or simply mentioned SNEW.
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Most reviews are in English but many are in varying other languages which will not be specified. Your guess is as good as ours.
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Honestly, having never heard them before, on first spin, I was expecting something different from Hollywood's Snew on their third album We Do What We Want. First impressions are a bitch: not another AC/DC clone. Groan. Between the general texture of the music and Curtis Don Vito's vocals, that's what I heard. Happily, first impressions didn't last after giving We Do What We Want a road test while running yesterday's errands.
We Do What We Want is pure rock and roll, more raunch and roll. While that certain Australian influence remains, it is enlivened by pure 80's Sunset Strip swagger. Yeah, sweaty whisky swilling rock and roll that looks you in the eye and takes no prisoners while it kicks you in the nuts. So Snew may only be reinventing wheel, they do it quite well with nods to rock history and legends. Jackyl can be heard in Private Stash, Judas Priest in Risking My Life, and anything pure Hollywood glam in the fantastic Feedback and Distortion. Snew can turn trick with catchy hooks on most every song, but they are quite tasty on Power Pack and Feedback and Distortion. They show some sonic creativity with the gutsy blues of Who the Hell are You (and with We Do What We Want, the closest songs to that 'down under' band). Don Vito's raspy shouts and screams remind of a blend of Bon Scott and Udo Dirkschneider, perfectly suited for Snew's style. Andy Lux's licks are fundamental, yet burst with energy on every track.
Snew's We Do What We Want is solid American hard rock: blistering, rollicking, and fist pumping action. Informed by classic 80's hard rock and legends of the past, Snew delivers the goods with skill and enthusiasm. And, by the way, it passed the road toast. So buy it, crank it up to 11, and ride with it. Very recommended.
Rating 4.0 out of 5.0
April 26 2010
Led by vocalist Curtis Don Vito, a screaming AC/DC meets The Answer type of singer, Snew are stylistically classic with a slight southern vibe through the rhythm sections molded with tile blues and injecting a little punk fury. Simply put, Snew are built on a solid foundation of classic rock with a bluesed up punk edge. And this album is the real deal too tackling the important issues of sex, drugs and rock n roll with an upbeat nature designed to get you out of your seat, just as it should be.
AC/DC rockers Got Love, She's A Real Gunslinger or Head Trauma won't disappoint while Kick Me Over is a striking 7Os style belter with a fantastic
rhythm. And the dirty anthems just keep coming with title track Snew You or the rip tearing Stand Up High making this a great underground classic rock album.
May 2009
Snew's debut, "Snew You", is an absolute must for anyone craving real rock, the kind of rock 'n' roll that is no frills, straight forward, head bangin', raw, party music like many of us grew up with in the 70s and 80s (the kind a new generation of young rockers, sick of the crap on the radio and MTV, are hungry for). You're not bombarded with politics or world problems with Snew's music. I don't know about you, but if I want to hear about politics or world issues, I watch the news or read news blogs. When I listen to music it's for fun and to forget about problems for a while, which is as it should be. Snew's music is the perfect pressure valve for letting you blow off some steam and have a good time. So, for those naysayers who think rock is dead, never fear Snew is here!
The first track, "Stand Up High", is a balls to the wall, full-throttle, high octane song that sounds a bit like some AC/DC, Jackyl and Dangerous Toys were all thrown in a blender with rocket fuel. This track sets the mood and lets you know what you're in for, and what a great mood-setter it is. You're now ready to crank the volume up to ten!
Before you can catch your breath, you're into track two, "Got Love", which is one of the tracks I really like on this album. It's funny, actually, as I'm listening to an album and taking notes I put asterisks next to the songs that really catch my attention, and I found myself putting asterisks next to almost every song on this album. That is a truly rare thing for me, indeed! "Got Love" also has an AC/DC and/or Jackyl feel to it. It's one of those songs you can really shake you ass to. Curtis Don Vito's vocals are amazing on this track. He has a great, gritty rock 'n' roll voice that sounds a bit like Bon Scott and Jesse James Dupree all rolled into one. His voice, along with the straight forward style of Snew's music, is why they draw comparisons to early AC/DC and Jackyl. But, make no mistake, Snew is not just another band in the long list of copy-cat bands down through the years. Although they are compared to other bands, their sound is entirely their own, which is why these guys should go far.
The band's anthem, "Snew You", is the next song on the album. The beginning of the song reminds me of the Ramones, but it quickly merges into a very fast-paced, aggressive, rockin' tune. This song has some cool guitar riffs and a smokin' solo by Snew guitarist, Andy Lux. All the while, the rhythm section, featuring awesome bass lines by Cat Tate, keeps up the frenetic punk rock pace of this track.
Another of my favorite tracks on this album is next. It's called, "She's A Real Gunslinger". Another ass-shakin', AC/DC-like song, this one is hit material. It's got a very catchy chorus, a great beat and infectious guitar riffs. This tune is just plain fan-freakin-tastic!
"Kick Me Over", the next song on the list, is another tune I really liked. In fact, the rest of the songs on the album have my asterisks next to them! This song goes in a different direction, with it's old school, 70s era, groovin' sound. It features another scorching guitar solo by Andy and driving bass lines by Cat that reach deep inside ya.
"Kick Me Over" is followed by "Head Trauma". This steamy, bluesy track probably reminds me, more than any other track on this album, of AC/DC. It has the feel of AC/DC's "Ride On". This song is flat-out killer, and Curtis shows off his pipes on this one. He really wails at the end of this tune!
The seventh song on the CD is "Electric Is The Law". After the slowdown of the last track, the pace picks up once again with this energy-packed, hard rockin' tune with somewhat of a Jackyl sound. Again, as my readers know, I hate comparing new bands to existing bands, because it makes it seem as though they're just copying another band's sound. Unfortunately, it's also the only way to help people get a picture of what a song sounds like. So, I once again want to reiterate what I've said before. Just because I'm making a comparison to another band, does not mean I think this band sounds just exactly like that band. If I ever think a band is just a copy-cat band, I'll make that very clear in my review. That being said, let me move on here. This track has, once again, some great bass lines from Snew bassist, Cat Tate. I also love the breaks where you hear only the drums and vocals, and the listener is again gifted with a superb guitar solo.
The next track, "Get It To Go", is burning up the asphalt, head banging rock 'n' roll. It features some machine gun paced bass thumpin' and ass kickin' guitar licks. This one will have your adrenaline going for sure.
After bangin' your head you get to slow down and take a breather once again with the next song, "Vibrator". The drums on this track are very cool, courtesy of Snew's percussionist, Mark Ohrenberger. You're also treated to soulful and bluesy guitar solos by Andy. There are even a little bit of keyboards in this track.
The album finishes off on a high note with "Heavy Water". After you're mellowed out by the previous track you get smacked right in the face with this rapid fire tune that's like Motorhead meets Jackyl. It's a thrill a minute ride on the Snew train!
You know, it's so rare to run across an album where every song is good. I don't know how Snew will top themselves in the future, but I can't wait to find out. I can't emphasize more how much every rocker needs this CD in their collection. I know I'm keeping this one in my CD changer for sure!
January 2009
Most of the CDs I get these days are for bands I haven't come across before, which is great because I get to hear a lot of things I might not have encountered otherwise. Sometimes, though, it's a bit frustrating. Mainly when an album like this comes along. We Do What We Want is the second album by Californian rockers Snew, and the reason it's frustrating is I didn't encounter them on their debut.
These guys are seriously good. No doubt they are going to be continually dogged by comparisons with AC/DC, something of an inevitability with their hard rocking, whisky-soaked, slightly sleazy sound and the fact that Curtis Don Vito could easily replace the vocals for Back In Black without many people being any the wiser. But the truth is Snew stands up well to the comparison.
Title track and opener explodes through the speakers, exuding confidence, energy and a definite fuck you attitude that holds true throughout this all too short ten track album. One CD should not be allowed to contain as many hooks as this does, and I haven't been disappointed with any of the tracks. Feedback and Distortion is a sleazy monster, Who The Hell Are You underlines the hard rock fever with a dose of blues, while the power and the pace is a constant running through it all.
Snew's debut album Snew You was named by SleazeRoxx in the top ten albums of 2008 - released at the end of March, We Do What We Want is surely a contender for top ten of 2010. Now I just need to get my hands on Snew You. As for you, dear reader, definitely get this one, and if you haven't got either album - get both.
May 3 2010
I might just be a little bit in love. Firstly, Snew blew me away with their second album We Do What We Want, then the guys kindly agreed to be guinea pigs for the first ever interview I've attempted - and then they sent me a copy of their debut. And it was just as good as I expected it to be. Well, SleazeRoxx had named it in the top ten albums of 2008 and they have a pretty good idea of what they're talking about.
It is a magnificent album. Straightforward, no frills rock, designed to be played at full volume and blow your speakers. Right from the opener Stand Up High it's going to get a reaction. Raw power in the vocals, aggressive riffs and many an anthemic track, these guys know how to write and perform, and they embody the best of the classic 80s hard rock style. They also know how to ride a blues wave with the wonderful Head Trauma, turn up the sleaze factor with She's A Real Gunslinger, and throw in a bit of punk attitude in title track Snew You.
Seriously, if you still haven't checked Snew out, you really, really have to. I wouldn't want to decide between the first and second albums as to which is the better one, so get both. That's an order -DO IT!
July 11 2010
You want some dirty, sleazy, balls to the wall rock n' roll for this day and age?
Well, look no further than Snew! Snew is, Curtis Don Vito on vocals, Andy Lux on guitar, Cat Tate on bass, and rounding out the band is drummer Mark Ohrenberger.
Their new album, "Snew You" was just released, and it's been cranked to 10 ever since I got it!
All the way through the album, Snew delivers their brand of sleazy rock n' roll. They say that a couple of their influences are AC/DC and Motorhead, and I can definitely hear a bit of both in guitars, and overall sound. Now, I'm finding it a little hard to describe Curtis Don Vito's voice, because it's so unique. His voice makes it feel like a breath of fresh air for the music world, and it fits right in with the songs. The biggest highlight of the album for me is the one that starts it all off, "Stand Up High"! I think that this is a good album overall, and definitely worth checking out.
Snew is ready to set the world of rock on fire, so let's join them for the ride!
Pick up "Snew You" today!
2009
Once you get past the slightly odd yet comical band name and album title, you realize that Snew are a real down and dirty hard rock machine. They play a style that follows in the footsteps of Bon Scott era AC/DC. That is an approach that is certainly not new because there have bands following that path for some time.
In fact there are moments where they sound like AC/DC by way of Jackyl, Dirty Looks or Rhino Bucket. Now not everything is rooted back to that long-running Australian band. I also hear some bluesy Led Zeppelin inspired bursts churning away in the mix as well. In many ways they are as a much a sleaze rock act as they are a blues based hard rock band. No matter what the case, they bring a great of grit and swagger to their performance and it pays off. The songs are of course very basic and not particularly involved. So it is Snew's energy and spirit that keeps this ship afloat. Snew succeed at driving straight ahead and they are not afraid to throw in some different tones here and there.
They are not particularly original, but they are entertaining and consistent. There have been and will likely continue to be many bands who follow AC/DC's sound. Still Snew deserve attention because they are playing solid hard rock the way it was meant to be played. While I am not quite ready to plunge straight into the Snew world order, I do think that "Snew You" is certainly worth a listen.
2009
SNEW ist eine Band aus Los Angeles, die ein Problem nicht hat: mangelndes Selbstbewusstsein. Hollywood und große Klappe erinnert den Rockfan an eine Zeit vor gut 20 Jahren, als aus L.A. jeden Tag eine Horde langhaariger Kosmetikspezialisten mit der neuen Rock'n'Roll-Weltsensation drohte, am Schluss aber auch nur ein lau riechendes Lüftchen aus der Haarspraydose zustande brachte. Diese Zeiten sind lang vorbei, man mag ihnen auch nicht nachtrauern, heutzutage backen die meisten der markant gealterten Poser von damals ganz kleine Brötchen, die Szene in Los Angeles hat sich auf mehr oder weniger natürliche Weise eingedampft, und wer heute von dort kommt, muss wie alle anderen Rockbands dieser Welt a.) Können vorweisen und b.) einen langen und beschwerlichen Weg durch die Instanzen des toten Business gehen, bis ein paar Dollar für einen Kleinwagen übrig bleiben. Da schadet es nicht, wenn eine Band ein Pfund wie "Snew You" abwirft, auch wenn es sich sicherlich nicht um die Neuerfindung des Hard Rock handelt.
AC/DC, LED ZEPPELIN und die RAMONES werden im Info erwähnt, man kann das abnicken, aber bitte welche Band, die heute klassischen Rock macht, ist von denen nicht beeinflusst und hat die historischen Meisterwerke nicht im heimischen Schrank? Die Frage ist doch letztlich nur, ob das angebotene Zeug dieser fünften oder sechsten Generation hart rockender Menschen den Konsumenten kickt oder nicht. SNEW kicken!
"Hello there ladies and girls" schreit Curtis Don Vito zum Einstieg, als Kerl könnte man sich ausgegrenzt fühlen, aber die Testosteron-Gitarre von Andy Lux (ein gebürtiger Luxemburger übrigens) holt uns Männer sofort zurück ins Boot. So funktioniert Rock & Roll seit Anbeginn, oder wenigstens seit "High Voltage", so werden wir alle ins Grab sinken, breitbeinig und kopfschüttelnd. Curtis hat eine ähnlich begnadete Stimme wie der junge Marc Storace von KROKUS, manche Gesangslinien und Harmonien in etlichen Songs lassen auch darauf schließen, dass die Männer von SNEW wenigstens die ersten - grandiosen - Platten der Schweizer verinnerlicht haben. Auch das One-Hit-Wonder JACKYL hat bei SNEW Spuren hinterlassen, aber die waren insgesamt so einfallslos, dass die Ähnlichkeiten zufällig sein können.
"Snew You" ist gestandener Hard Rock, kompromisslos am Zeitgeist vorbei, ebenso kompromisslos vollgepackt mit Riffs und richtig guten Melodien und einer Portion Mitsing-Chorussen fürs Konzert. Dazu gibt es tatsächlich eine Menge echten Groove und Swing, was für L.A.-Schweinerocker beileibe nicht üblich ist. Lux spielt neben den Soli eine veritable Malcolmgitarre, Bass und Schlagzeug betonieren nicht alles zu, sie lassen viel mehr die Knie federn, und der schon erwähnte Sänger macht den Growler, Shouter, Animateur.
Da kommt ein klassischer AC/DC-Blues wie Head Trauma dermaßen druckvoll, dass man zweimal nachdenken muss, ob man die neue Scheibe der Australier wirklich mag. Dann lässt einen Electric Is The Law über die Fähigkeiten eines Herrn Slash sinnieren - und Slash verliert. Wo bei anderen Bands alles für die Show ist, kommen SNEW mit wenigen Plattitüden aus, obgleich sie natürlich alles andere als innovativ sind, aber das manisch dahinjammende Kick Me Over oder der tausendmal gehörte rechts-links Gesang am Ende von Get It To Go lässt einen schaudern.
Auf Nachfrage erklärt Sänger Don Vito zur Bedeutung das Bandnamens: "Snew means what ever you want it to mean. What ever makes you feel good, the thing that makes you hold your fist up in the air and shout SNEW YOU!"
Was für ein gigantischeres Motto könnte es für Rock & Roll geben? "Snew You" makes me feel good und erklärt nebenher, warum man eigentlich Fan solcher Musik ist und nie mehr davon loskommt. Hoffentlich schreien viele mit.
12.10.2008
Proving that music CAN still be simple, boisterous fun, Californian band SNEW have self-released this ten-track, forty minutes long album of no nonsense Classic Rock.
Sure, there's plenty screaming and searing guitar solos and a tight rhythm section trying to push to the fore, but SNEW are no pretentious 'Guitar Hero,' champions moving on the next stage. This is hard rock in its most infectious, melodic, anthemic form.
Apparently they have been compared to 'AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, with a little bit of The Ramones thrown in.' The Led Zeppelin bit I don't quite get, but unlike some bands who set out to imitate their heroes and succeed only in producing an amateurish (not very) sound-a-like copy-cat song(s) SNEW have taken ALL their influences and thrown them in a huge big melting pot. The result is that no direct comparison may be made to other more established bands, but rather, the listener can hear little bits of all sorts permeating the music.
For instance, from time to time the vocals turn a bit Axl Rose; the deep pounding of Def Leppard surfaces occasionally; the riffs of AC/DC are certainly there; title track 'Snew You,' is more frantic than the other tracks and until the vocals come in, there IS, surprisingly for a rock band, an echo of The Ramones; and yet at other times reference could be made to the likes of Ugly Kid Joe.
Throughout, the vocals are strong and clear with the powerful riffs guaranteed to have wanna-be rockstar kids up and down the country contorting their faces as they demonstrate their amazing, death-defying air-guitar skills.
The pace is generally high, but one of the highlight tracks is the bluesy 'Head Trauma.' It's very AC/DC which makes it a winner right from the off. 'Vibrator,' - the penultimate track - is also on the slower, blues-rock side which is good in that it adds a bit of variation to the second half of the album which otherwise I felt was starting to lose its way a little. (Maybe that's a bit strong but for me, it was just starting to lose its initial impact.)
However, don't let that detract from an excellent debut album. Don't expect anything groundbreaking - it's just a good-time Rock album with neither frills nor pretensions. If they come to Scotland, I'd certainly make a point of getting along.... AC/DC is about the only other Rock band I would say that about!
November 2008
Snew does whatever they want to, and they don't care what anyone thinks. now if that isn't a rock & roll attitude, I don't know what is. Snew is a sleazy raunchy hard rock band.
The songs on this release are fast paced, and just don't quit. when listening to this I am reminded of AC/DC, GNR, Jackyl, and some Dangerous Toys, vocalist Curtis Don Vito has one of the best voices in rock today. the band members are Andy Lux on guitar, Cat Tate on bass, Mark Ohrenberger on drums. All the songs rip!
The opening track called "Stand Up High" lets you know what this band is all about. my favorite song is "She's A Real Gunslinger" their bio states that this would be a good stripping song, and I couldn't agree more. "Head Trauma" has a blues type feel to it. "Kick Me Over" is a great rocker. this is a release that you have to get. it's one of those few CD's where you can listen to the whole thing without fast forwarding. join the Snew World Order.
2009