The Snap Elect | |
|---|---|
 The Snap Elect performing in Laguna Beach, 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | London, United Kingdom |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2009—2011 |
| Labels | Pure Groove, Smashed Records |
| Past members |
|
The Snap Elect were a London-based four member pop rock band. Their music is described by critics as a combination of melodic power pop and psychedelic rock. [1] [2] [3] [4]
The group formed in 2009; [5] it included former members of Glasgow bands Uncle John & Whitelock and The Needles. They released one album, Mangled Angle Land in 2010, which was recorded on reel-to-reel tape at Redchurch Recordings in Hackney with sound engineer Freddy "machete" Baggs and later-added digital overdubs. [6] [7] The album cover was designed and handmade by comic book artist Karrie Fransman using felt and wool. [8] Dignan Porch and The Plimptons supported at their album launch at The George Tavern.
The album launch doubled as the bands last UK gig, which one review called "a crazy shame — but at the same time somehow cool as f**k". [9] The group reunited briefly in California the following year. [10] Paul went on to form garage/psych outfit The Magnetic Mind, [11] Tom joined live electronica group Machine Heaven Ranger [9] [12] and Barry toured with The Doors Alive, [13] a Doors tribute act. Nic formed the LA-based Count Downfall and the Dreadful Plot. [14]
| "The band certainly feel in touch with the mysterious ways of the Floyd, but zap you like a can of Jolt cola now and then, switching the speed without warning and introducing a kind of Goodies-style frantic humour to proceedings." |
– Review of Mangled Angle Land, Artrocker   [4] |
The band were included in Vic Galloway’s 50 Scottish artists to watch in 2011, [15] received national radio play on BBC Radio 1 [16] and BBC 6Music with Tom Robinson. [17]
The music was described as "Love-inspired acid pop" [4] and Ray Davies-esque [1] [9] with "sonic harmonies" akin to Steeleye Span. [2]
| Date | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 17 September 2009 |  The Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch | Debut gig [18] |
| 19 December 2009 | The George Tavern, Stepney Green | With Johnny & The Medicine Show [19] |
| 25 March 2010 | Undersolo, Camden | With The Tiny Gods, The Arousers & Monkey Island [20] |
| 10 April 2010 | The George Tavern, Stepney Green | With Johnny & The Medicine Show [21] |
| 11 June 2010 | The Garage, Highbury | With O.A.R. & Circulus [22] |
| 7 August 2010 |  Blackfriars, Glasgow | For Eyes Wide Open Club [7] |
| 4 November 2010 | The George Tavern, Stepney Green | Album launch with Dignan Porch & The Plimptons [23] |
| 4 December 2010 | Kings Cross Social Club, Kings Cross | Cancelled [3] |
| 25 May 2011 |  The Marine Room, Laguna Beach | US showcase [10] |