Sniper 66
Caput Lupinum
Rebel Sound Music
Sniper 66 is an Austin four piece that play vengeful punk
rock. Their self titled release was impressive and caught much attention in
2013. I had already liked them. They also appeared on Oi the Boat’s VOA: IV with Hard Evidence, Concrete, and Die Trying.
They also provided my favorite track with a sad-as-fuck, “7 Years”, song on Cashing in on Christmas vol 5. I saw
these kids lay waste at Midwest Fest ’14 and they ripped it. I ended up talking
to their drummer, April. As a 37 year old, I tried not to be a creep and to not
be surprised like “hey, you are a girl and you can play an instrument!”. But in
a room of sweaty, old, bald men, I raised a glass and chatted to acknowledge
her skills. She tore it up and simply happened to hit the bar when I did.
For Caput Lupinum,
Sniper 66 have moved forward. This was available as digital or CD form last
April or June. Now, we finally get a vinyl version thanks to Rebel Sound. Here
they embrace less of a rock and roll sound and push a tougher, angrier and
heavier sound. These kids have learned to play tighter and faster. Like wicked
fast. Coming from Texas, no doubt Lower Class Brats is an influence. Oxymoron
is another obvious influence. APA should be cited as well. S66 play angry,
gritty riffs played automatic fire quick over sped up , battering drums. The
production has been improved as well. The style is clean but allows for the
instruments to play; especially that bass in there, rumbling along.
The songs do feature lyrics with the punk ethos of “be
yourself”, but focus in on non-traditional topics. “Society” addresses the
issue of gender roles in the singer’s household and in the punk scene and in
general society. The plea of the song is to “treat (girls) as equals”.
“Why must this happen? Right in our
scene/ Punk rock girls are sexualized…
I won’t stay silent. This time I’m
pissed/ Because I love this scene, I know we are better than this
Blow up your TV …don’t listen to the standards
set by society”
“Another War” definitely stands out to me. The song is
churning and speaks about the empty promises of (now) multiple administrations
to bring the troops home. The earlier mentioned, “7 Years” is back and
depressing; which I love! Subversive, honest songs on a Christmas comp satiate
me. “Long Road” steps back half a step
and calls back to the rock and roll feel of their debut. “Anxiety” is a dirty,
pounding track that pummels as you listen. “One Shot” also kicks.
Sniper 66 are talented kids tearing up fests across the
nation. They found enough time to sit and write fantastic punk rock songs, with
no sense of pop. Belligerent riffs at sonic speeds should please anyone in
leather or a bomber. Intelligent lyrics that will leave you thinking help
elevate this band above the average. Production is on point, handlingS66 as
they should be. No one is aiming to make more of this than it is; and that is what makes it worth
more than the sum of its parts and stand out.
RIYL: Varukers,
Abrasive Wheels, APA, LCB, Oxymoron, Defiance
