The alternative rock band Snipe Drive, originating from Tuusula, celebrated the release of their fourth studio album Soaked To The Bone at On The Rocks in Helsinki on Wednesday, November 4. The actual album was released two days later, allowing the audience at the concert to get a sneak preview of the new material. Over the course of the evening, four tracks from the upcoming record were performed.
Founded in 2001 by brothers Antti and Heikki Huurinainen, Snipe Drive has traveled a long path across the Finnish rock scene. The band’s name is derived from Kurpantie in Tuusula, where the members spent their childhood. Over the years, there have been various achievements: their debut album was once chosen as YleX’s album of the week, the single “Cuts” made it onto the station’s playlist, and the band had the opportunity to open for alternative rock giants Smashing Pumpkins at the Helsinki Ice Hall. The band has also taken their music as far as China.
This long history was evident in the audience at On The Rocks. Long-time fans of the band were present, and their receptive attitude created a warm and immediate atmosphere for the evening. The event was not only about celebrating the release of a new album, but also about the encounter between the band and the audience that has been with them for years.
The evening was opened by Helsinki-based Riekko Salama, after which attention shifted to the headliner of the night.
The concert’s setlist offered an overview of Snipe Drive’s production. Four songs from the new album were performed: Headkick, Deep Fake Skin, NeverSmile, and Asleep At The Wheel. Older tracks included, for example, Converse, Sweet IV, Cuts, and Big Cat. Superior, Moonraker, Anti-Matter Girl, Tomahawks and Boomerangs, and Eventide also made it into the set. A particularly interesting addition was Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc., which added a welcome surprise to the evening.
Snipe Drive’s music combines melodicism, raw guitar-driven sound, and the edge characteristic of alternative rock. The band’s long time playing together is evident in their performance, and there is no longer any need to prove their place on stage. The band’s musical identity is distinctive, but the setlist’s various eras kept the whole set diverse.
The intimate club setting of On The Rocks fit the evening’s nature perfectly. The receptive mood between the audience and the band made the concert a successful whole. A career spanning over two decades has not diminished their passion; the new album shows that Snipe Drive continues their independent journey in Finnish alternative rock.
Soaked To The Bone received the premiere it deserved, and long-time fans had yet another good reason to gather around the band’s music.
