Snacking – Blacked Out On A Train | Single Review

Not gonna lie, Florida kinda scares me. It’s not just the golf-playing retirees or the alligators or the need to be beach-bod-ready at all times… It’s that some odd combination of these elements results in an environment that’s virtually inhospitable to my Pacific Northwestern spirit. 

Despite my harsh feelings on Florida, this region has (from my outsider’s perspective) one of the best DIY scenes in the country outside of the Midwest. Florida alone has Pool Kids, Dikembe, Worst Party Ever, Virginity, Skatune Network/JER, Woolbright, Dannythestreet, Gouge Away, Camp Trash, and more. On the other side of the border, you bands like Guitar Fight spouting up in Georgia. Just across the other border, you have groups like Insignificant Other in Alabama. My point is that, despite the sweltering conditions, there’s something in the air down in the southeast that just seems to breed great bands. While I’m not one to bet on artists' popularity, I’m calling it now; Snacking will soon become another one of this region’s success stories. 

“Blacked Out On A Train,” the group’s newest track and lead single off their upcoming EP Painted Gold, is a poppy emo-flavored triumph that sets the table for the band’s artistic metamorphosis. While the Snacking’s 2018 EP Not Here acted as the group’s formal unveiling to the world, it was a collection of songs heavily indebted to the sounds of midwest emo and Florida forebearers like You Blew It! Meanwhile, “Blacked Out On A Train” elevates the group’s sound in nearly every conceivable way. From instrumentation and production to lyricism and inspiration, this song is the sound of a band evolving before our eyes.

Opening with what sounds like a shimmering arcade game ‘Continue’ sound effect, “Blacked Out On A Train” blends together uplifting power chords, snappy drumming, and even-keeled basslines for a cleanly-produced indie rock sound with just an underlying hint of midwest-flavor. On top of this compelling instrumental bed, lead singer Ryan Dormois delivers melodic yet melancholic lyricism that evokes equal parts Pedro The Lion and Into It. Over It. 

These elements all swirl together for a song that depicts the conflicting aspects of life on the road. The strange mix of freedom and excitement that is counterbalanced by hesitation and unfamiliarity. As towns and faces pass by, time continues to progress. Each passing minute brings exciting new views and experiences but also adds distance between you and the people you hold most dear. As you willingly drive away from all familiar creature comforts, alcohol becomes a companion, and the phrase “live a little” morphs from an affirmation into a challenge. These lyrical sentiments pave the way for a searing guitar solo that closes out the track and ushers in the remainder of the EP—merely an appetizer (or snack, I suppose) for the entree that’s yet to come. 

“Blacked Out On A Train” is available now on all streaming services, and Painted Gold is out on February 12th via Chilwavve Records.