The Key Studio Sessions: The Snails

It’s like that Bob Marley song goes: roots, rock, reggae.

Central Pennsylvania rooted Philly rockers The Snails got their start playing reggae as high schoolers, but quickly expanded their sonic palette. A big influence, undeniably, was punk rock and The Clash, who dipped their feet in all manner of sonic waters in a decade-long career. But also The Specials, Bob Dylan…even the gruff soul of Dr. Dog, who you can hear undeniable traces of on “Sedated,” which opens The Snails’ Key Studio Session.

At the front of the band is songwriter-guitarist Todd Fausnacht, whose timeless vocals bounce and cavort across tracks that move energetically from one to the next. The swaying breeze of “Liberty Street Lights” glides directly into the swaggering garage rock dance of “Press Play,” into the confrontational anthem of “Basement,” an ode to authenticity and artistic integrity. 

Rounding out the band are Ben Parry on bass, Tim Hildebrand on guitar, Josh Parry on drums, and Matt MacLeod on organ – they are an incredibly tight unit (these are all first takes you’re hearing) that can walk that precarious balance beam between practiced performances and unhinged spontaneity. You’ll get to see it in person twice this week – tomorrow night, opening for Rooney at The Foundry of The Fillmore Philadelphia, and then Friday at Kung Fu Necktie for Philly Soul Syndicate’s Boogaloo Revue. Tickets and more information on both can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.

Below, stream the band’s Key Studio Session, and grab a free download at Soundcloud.