Phoenix-based synthpunk/grindcore pop/nerd rap duo Snailmate introduces their latest single/music video, “It’s Coming Back!,” a song about the surprise and horror of the appearance of ‘90s nostalgia.
Snailmate shares, “The ‘good ol days’ weren’t really that great. I don’t understand nostalgia at all; it’s basically ignoring all the terrible crap we all experienced!”
Made up of lyricist, singer, and synth-wizard Kalen Lander and drummer, backup vocalist Bentley Monet, Snailmate formed in 2015, followed by releasing their debut album, Love in the Microwave, in 2017. Since then, the twosome has dropped numerous EPs and singles covering topics such as anxiety, loneliness, isolation, and living out loud.
Explaining, Snailmate says, “The message of our music is that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling anxious or sad or just uncertain, we understand. We are feeling it too. Life is short and weird and sometimes crappy, so let’s have some fun.”
Part of the LGBTQ+ community, Bentley is trans and Kalen identifies as queer. Having performed more than 1,000 shows, Snailmate has an upcoming album, entitled Stress Sandwich, as well as tour dates scheduled.
“It’s Coming Back!” opens on a hip-hop rhythm topped by rapping vocals that shift to screamo tones. Blaring synths fill the tune with gritty textures and scratchy droning layers as the vocals imbue the lyrics with the discomfort of memories from growing up in the ‘90s.
It’s coming back! / The feeling of inadequacy that I had / It’s coming back! / The social anxiety that I had / It’s coming back! / The knowledge of peaking too soon that I had / It’s coming back! / The sense of impending doom that I had.”
Blending rap, post-rock, and screamo, “It’s Coming Back!” features low-slung, more melodic episodes with manic, hyper outbreaks, reflecting the angst of recollection.
