Let’s get formally introduced to the underground and independent band Neutral Snap. They are an upcoming pop punk/emo band from New Orleans that have been around since 2018. Or maybe you’ve heard of them from their viral, first show where Shaquille O’Neal jumped on stage to sing with them. Either way, they have just offered up their latest EP, I Hardly Know Her. This was released in August of this year and follows up a slew of singles and the full-length album, Tell Me How I Feel, from 2021.
This EP was recorded with Rob Freeman (Hidden In Plain View) at Audio Pilot Studios in New Jersey. He also helped co-write the track “Pat Your Own Back” on the release. Additionally, the band also collaborated on the song writing process with several other well-known artists. Names like Tom Denney (A Day To Remember) and Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday, Say Anything, The Color Fred) appear on the credits for the songs “Danny ACOG’ and “Waltz”, respectively.
The songs are filled with catchy hooks that you’ll want to sing out loud with the windows down. There are the occasional hard riffs with nostalgic breakdowns over singalongs that take you back to the turn of the century of the genre. There is tons of energy on each track. The band is trying to offer a fresh take on a re-emerging sound by adding their own flare. The vocal styling is what sets this band apart for me from ever run of the mill band out right now. It has an early 2000s vibe sounding very similar to early Fall Out Boy and I’m here for it. Patrick would be proud of these powerful, clean vocals with emotion.
The production on this EP sounds awesome. Crystal clear and just a blast to listen to. Guitars and overlays add to the intricacies and help tie in the tight, solid drums. This truly is a major label worthy recording that I was surprised to find out hasn’t had a physical release yet. Fans want it!
“I’m Not Double Texting Her” and “Waltz” are my top 2 favorite songs off this release. They are solid songs that would be a great starter introduction for you to check them out. Fans of old school Fall Out Boy, Neck Deep, and Hit The Lights will need to ensure they give this release a spin.
