Snapped Ankles – Hard Times Furious Dancing (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Leaf)
Snapped Ankles have been active for quite a few years and can already look back on a well-stocked discography. These Brits might resemble (neo-)hippies at first glance, but appearances can be deceiving—especially when it comes to their music.
With “Hard Times Furious Dancing”, they deliver lyrics that critically reflect on our ‘hard times’ while simultaneously inviting the listener to ‘furious dancing’. Musically, it’s primarily Electronic —though that label covers a wide range of influences. There’s a clear dose of Psychedelic-Electro and Krautrock, while the rhythms lean more toward Breakbeats. The electronic sequences often carry a cool, almost detached edge, and when paired with the ultra-danceable beats, the result is a series of exhilarating climaxes. The first six tracks in particular sound fantastic. While the vocals are not always at the forefront, they remain an essential element within the broader sonic landscape. Only the final three tracks—which are noticeably calmer—create something of an anticlimax, though the album as a whole remains a strong release.
“Hard Times Furious Dancing” could easily appeal to a wide audience, ranging from fans of Stereo MC’s to admirers of The Prodigy and Praga Khan. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Dancing In Transit”:
https://snappedankles.bandcamp.com/track/dancing-in-transit
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
