The new EP ‘Sweet Gravity‘ by Chicago’s Snowcuffs is one of the best EPs I’ve heard in a while in dream pop/ shoegaze, as it perfectly captures a lush, layered wall of sound that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly alive. Having just caught most of their kick ass set live last Friday, May 15th, at the Cactus Club, I can safely say their studio recordings translate into a powerhouse live performance that leaves you completely blown away. The transition from the stellar engineering work done at Hypercube Studios to the raw, echoing energy of the stage proves that this five-piece is the real deal.
For anyone who has followed guitarist Neil Yodnane’s musical journey since his days with the fantastic Chicago band Lightfoils, which we used to play their music quite a bit over the years on OKR, Snowcuffs represents an incredible and exciting evolution into something so much greater. While the playfully sonic sounds of beautiful, swirling guitars remain, this new project carves out its own distinct identity that is simply spectacular. Stephanie Nikolas’s entrancing vocals float effortlessly over dueling guitars and a driving rhythm section, creating a mesmerizing balance of grit and ethereal beauty across the EP’s four tracks. It truly is great dream pop and shoegaze, nailing that delicate balance between crushing volume and pure euphoria.
From the explosive energy of the opening track “Burst” to the shimmering, immersive depths of “In Blue” and “Sunless,” ‘Sweet Gravity‘ never lets up, culminating in the beautifully heavy “Cold Memories.” It is rare for a short release to feel this monumental and cohesive. All in all, ‘Sweet Gravity‘ is a phenomenal EP that establishes Snowcuffs as a mandatory listen for anyone who loves brilliantly crafted, texture-rich alternative rock… and do yourself a favor and go see them live for the full experience.
If you are in the Chicago area… check them out on Sunday, May 24th at the Empty Bottle w/ Almost There But Not Really, and Daarling. – Click here for tickets.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/snowcuffs/
https://snowcuffs.bandcamp.com/album/sweet-gravity-2