Source: EP Artwork
Meant to narrate the band’s own trials and tribulations within the music industry, Colt 45‘s first EP since the release of their debut album, titled Snakes & Ladders, promises to be an interesting listen, to say the least. I mean, we all love a good sticking it to “the man” scenario, don’t we? At six tracks long, the Cumbria-based trio’s new EP is a quick demonstration of angst that evidently isn’t solely reserved for adolescents.
While it is understandable that this record is meant to serve as an honest open letter of sorts, there is one downside that seems to pop up now and again. Some of the songwriting feels tired and cliche, and almost somewhat juvenile. For instance in the opening track ‘I Can Forgive But I Won’t Forget’, with the main lyrics in the chorus mirroring the title, it feels like there’s a lack of depth in the storytelling.
Luckily for Colt 45, if there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s to create melodies and rhythms that catch your attention thus salvaging the setbacks we found in the lyrical content. Take for instance ‘All Hell Broke Loose’, the Americana feel of which makes us think of The Gaslight Anthem; or ‘Lost For Words’ and ‘What You See Is What You Get’, arguably the catchiest tracks on the EP due to what seems like little glimmers of pop-punk appearing every now and then.
Snakes & Ladders offers quite a variety in terms of genre, therefore it’s easy to imagine a few different groups of music fans taking a liking to the EP. If you’re looking or something angsty and fast-paced, Colt 45 may just be what the doctor ordered.
