The second album is a scintillating evolution from ‘Super Snǒǒper’, chaotically channelling the overwhelm of their spiralling success.

No matter how much a punk band can mature, a scathing teenage sound can really stick. How this can be utilised for a second album is dealer’s choice, with many DIY bands digging their heels in and sticking with whatever worked the first time around. This can make very boring fans extremely happy and disappoint those who wanted something new with extra bite. Snõõper uphold the foundations that made them an underground hot topic with their 2020 EP ‘Music For Spies’, take elements that propelled them to world tours and international acclaim with their 2023 debut album ‘Super Snõõper’, and provides their fans with an evolution that they can truly sink their teeth into.

Collaborating with producer John Congleton in LA, the entire concept for ‘Worldwide’ was borne from pressure. The band cites those YouTube videos of random items being placed into hydraulic presses as a direct inspiration. Currently, the video ‘Top 100 Best Hydraulic Press Moments | Satisfying Crushing Compilation’ has over 65 million views, with the cathartic effect of watching something contort, shatter, and release casting a spell on the online population. When your first album rises to such high favour, to contort and shatter seems part of the job, with the immediacy of modern success resulting in back-breaking tour schedules and contractual obligations. Blair Tramel and Connor Cummins translate this whirlwind into ‘Worldwide’, but with all their usual joy and determined unseriousness.

‘Guard Dog’ and title track ‘Worldwide’ were solid staple singles, bratty and sardonic with Tramel embracing riot-girl flair. These were followed by ‘Pom Pom’, which showcases a refinement of Cummin’s work on the drum machine. However, it is ‘Star *69*’ that packs the headiest punch. Deep, electronic, sexy basement noise blended with classic punk soundscapes and cheerleader chants back and forth between Tramel and herself. The lyrics come from an idea of Blair calling out for reassurance and only hearing her own words coming back to her. The speed of the track does not allow us a moment to breathe. It’s a fast paced, panic attack-inducing conversation with the self, but one that you can dance to.

Other highlights include ‘Company Car’, and the absolutely off the wall cover of ‘Come Together’, which is barely intelligible but you can imagine absolutely blowing the ceiling off the venue when performed live (and all in 1 minute 30 seconds). As a second album ‘Worldwide’ makes perfect sense, a chaotic but concise tribute to the angst and overwhelm that can contort and shatter us all. I look forward to seeing what new paper-maché puppets they have in store for audiences on their upcoming tour.