(4 / 5)
The Snuts return with their fourth studio album, “Joy In Short Moments”, a record that took two years to make and finds the Scottish band reflecting on life, love and the things that really matter.
After years of touring and the pressures that come with success, frontman Jack Cochrane has turned his attention towards home, fatherhood and the questions that can get lost in the rush of everyday life.
The result is a more personal collection of songs that balances their familiar indie-rock energy with thoughtful songwriting and appreciation for life’s smaller moments. Formed in West Lothian in 2015, the four-piece consists of Jack Cochrane on vocals and guitar, Joe McGillveray on guitar, Callum Wilson on bass and Jordan Mackay on drums.
They made their name with infectious melodies, driving guitars and big choruses, with their debut album, “W.L.”, reaching number one in the UK album chart in 2021. The follow-up, “Burn The Empire”, reached number three in 2022, while “Millennials” secured another top three position in 2024.
Although rooted in British indie rock, The Snuts have never been afraid to explore different sounds. Since establishing their own Happy Artist Records label after leaving Parlophone, the band has continued to develop on their own terms.
Alongside influences such as Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines, their music takes in elements of soul, hip-hop, electronic and pop, and a willingness to experiment has helped them develop beyond the familiar guitar-band formula. “Joy In Short Moments” sees them bringing greater life experience to their songwriting.
Across its 11 tracks, the album which was produced by Jack Cochrane and Scotty Anderson, explores growing up, finding your place in the world and learning to appreciate the smaller moments. Opening track “In Motion”, gets things going with bright guitars and an energetic rhythm, while “Youth Ain’t Easy” delivers catchy melodies and a chorus that stays with you.
“Defibrillator”, the lead single released alongside the album announcement, is a lively, drum-driven track with an uplifting message about spending time with the people you love.
The title track brings its central theme into focus, while ‘”Summer Rain” explores the emotional challenges of new parenthood and uncertainty about the future. “Motherlands” looks towards home and the roots that shape us, while “Little Marathon Man” closes the album on a warm, nostalgic note; returning to the importance of family and the passage of time.
These personal experiences give the album warmth and depth. Success, failure, parenthood and loss all find their way into Jack Cochrane’s songwriting, reflecting on what happens when life slows down and priorities begin to change.
With “Joy In Short Moments”, The Snuts have produced a thoughtful, engaging and uplifting record, without losing their knack for a strong melody.
By Manja Williams /Photo by Whitburn
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’
(3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
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