THIS WEEK I’M LISTENING TO...SNATCH-BACK – Destination Free EP (Independent)

One of the many one-single acts of the NWOBHM, Snatch-Back released the highly collectable ‘Eastern Lady’ 7” in 1979 but then faded away. Reforming some time back they’ve put out some interesting releases over recent years, the latest of which is the ‘Destination Free’ EP. Dedicated to original member John Cowley who died in 2023, and available as a four-track 12” or CD, ‘Destination Free’ has been out for some time now, but is certainly worth a mention if, like me, you’ve only just come across it. It’s an exciting adrenaline rush of traditional British metal, and for some reason Budgie’s 1980 ‘If Swallowed...’ EP was the first thing that sprang to mind as it span for the first time (no bad thing in itself), which is a bit synchronicitous seeing as the Snatch-Back EP was mastered by Mike Brown who did the Welsh trio’s final album ‘You’re All Living In Cuckooland’.

Now also operating as a three-piece, with Ste Byatt on guitar and vocals, Ian Wood on bass and vocals and Ste Platt on drums, Snatch-Back know how to come up with catchy yet heavy songs. ‘Street Creeper’ is a frenetic work-out, driven by Platt’s forceful drumming and overdosing on Byatt’s lead runs, while ‘Legends’ keeps up the tempo, with a nifty change of pace in the mid-section and Wood gluing the whole thing together. The first cut and title track has everything an opener needs: an attention-grabbing hook, an interesting time change and a frantic outro; closer ‘The Trap (Lost Song)’ is a glorious boogie-based workout designed to put a smile on your face and a shuffle in your shoes, and you have to wonder why these lads from Merseyside aren’t better known. The talent is certainly clear for all to hear.

Take you credit card to Bandcamp and enjoy!

Video clips: ‘Legends’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLrgcGqnr20