press release - Red Snapper

Well here it is, after what seems like years (and is in fact years) comes a new Red Snapper album. But you thought they'd split up...? Well they have as far as playing live and spending months in recording studios but with tunes as good as the ones on this album it was too tempting not to nip into the studio, add the finishing touches and unleash them. So here you have it; a collection of warm grooves and jazz filled moves, perhaps a bit more mellow than their "fuck off jazz" approach of yore but authentic Snapper for sure.

First, a quick recap. Red Snapper formed in 1993, after various serendipitous meetings down the years, when they realised that their various session activities and jazz jams weren't meeting their mutual need of everything from breakbeats, Eric B & Rakim and early techno to Led Zeppelin, surf music and country legend Marty Robbins. They aimed to satisfy themselves by playing low-key shows and releasing EPs on their own Flaw label, showcasing a sparse, bass-heavy, horn-tickled, generally instrumental (although vocal contributors included Beth Orton and Bocca Juniors' Anna Haigh), eerily focussed dance-punk noise that delighted taste-makers such as Ashley Beedle and Andrew Weatherall. The three were, despite their collective confidence, a little amazed at the response to something that flew so defiantly in the face of mellow, trip hop fashion.

After collecting those early EPs on the deliciously raw Reeled And Skinned compilation (1995), they signed to Warp, Two fine albums followed _ 1996's Prince Blimey and 1998's Making Bones. Both were well received, providing a sound basis for the rapidly growing legend that was the Snapper live show. Their last album We Aim To Satisfy (2000) did just that but tired of the endless cycle of album _ tour - album they decided to leave on a high and follow their individual paths.

And now back to the album. Yep, 7 brand spanking new tunes plus some old favourites for the fans. These come in the shape of The Sabres of Paradise mix of Hot Flush, a long deleted classic that fits perfectly with the techno jazz mood of the album and two live tracks that make it clear just why Red Snapper have always had such a faithful following.

So all in all the return of the Snapper finds them fresher than ever and strangely current. Their soundtrack vibe sits well with todays jazz noir stylings as worn by The Cinematic Orchestra or Blue States - and with promotional DJ gigs in the offing that involve all 3 original members maybe the Snapper might be back for more...

release:Red Snapper
label: Lo Recordings