The Snails is an American
rock band with touches of
post-punk,
ska and
reggae,
based in
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was d ...
,
Maryland.
It is currently composed of Sandy Snailbelow, Snailliam, Sammy Snail (also known as Snamuel or Snammy), Snailburne, Snailbraham, Snailrell and Snailpril.
As snails, they live in a Shoebox,
where they like to play basketball.
History
2008: Formation
The Snails formed in the summer of 2008 in
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was d ...
, Maryland, when rapper
Spank Rock asked
Future Islands to play his birthday party.
' third member Gerrit Welmers was out of town,
so Samuel T. Herring and William Cashion put together a group of friends to play some old songs by
Art Lord & the Self-Portraits (the band that preceded
Future Islands).
2008–2013: ''Art Lord & the Self-Portraits''
Gradually producing their own material,
the Snails are described by their record label - Friend’s Records - as “Baltimore’s answer to the
California Raisins”.
Wearing colorful snail headpieces
and outfits,
the Snails have had a rotating cast of members.
From 2008 to 2013, they played some 10 shows in the
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was d ...
area.
Apart from being snails,
their slow pace can also be explained by the fact that their members come from several
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was d ...
bands –
Future Islands,
Lower Dens,
Wume
Wume is a polyrhythmic rock duo consisting of April Camlin (drums, vocals) and Albert Schatz (synthesizers, electronics). The band formed in Chicago in 2009, and is currently based in Baltimore, Maryland.
The name Wume derives from the band's fond ...
, Nuclear Power Pants, Small Sur, Teeth Mountain, Lonnie Walker, Wing Dam amongst others
- with different touring calendars.
2013–2015: ''Worth the Wait''
In April 2013 The Snails released the EP ''Worth the Wait'', a 5-song gatefold double 7" which was promoted by an East Coast tour of another 10 shows.
A full-length album ''Songs from the Shoebox'' was recorded between December 2013 and November 2015 by producer Chester Endersby Gwazda.
After the success of Future Islands' album ''
Singles'' released in March 2014, Future Islands toured massively until late 2015, leaving the project on hold.
2015–present: ''Songs from the Shoebox''
In November 2015, The Snails released the Christmas song “Snails Christmas (I Want A New Shell)”.
A re-recording of an already released track included on the 2013 compilation ''Baltimas!!!!!''
In March 2016 they toured the US East Coast again, to promote the release of their debut album ''Songs From the Shoebox'',
also produced by Chester Endersby Gwazda
and released in February 2016.
It features 10 songs,
of which “Flames” is an
Art Lord & the Self-Portraits cover.
Band members
Current members
* Sandy Snailbelow (Andy Abelow of Small Sur, and Showbiz!) - alto saxophone and keyboards
* Snailliam (William Cashion of
Future Islands and
Peals
The Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre (PEALS) was established in 1999 as a partnership between the University of Durham, Newcastle University and the Centre for Life
The Centre for Life is a science village in Newcastle upon T ...
) - bass
* Sammy Snail (Samuel T. Herring of
Future Islands) - vocals
* Snailburne (Drew Swinburne of Nuclear Power Pants) - guitar
* Snailbraham (Abram Sanders of Wing Dam) - drums
* Snailrell (Ryan Syrell) - alto saxophone
* Snailpril (April Camlin) - musical saw
Former members
*
Jana Hunter (of
Lower Dens)
* R.M. O'Brien (of Nuclear Power Pants)
* Joel Herring (of Plucky Walker)
* Brian Corum
* Andrew Burt
* Justin Lucas (known as Justnailin)
Discography
Albums
* ''Songs From the Shoebox'' (February 14, 2016)
EPs
* ''Worth The Wait'' (April 20, 2013)
Compilation appearances
* "Snails Christmas (I Want a New Shell)" from ''Baltimas!!!!!!!!!'' (December 24, 2013)
References
External links
Official website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Snails
Rock music groups from Maryland
Musical groups from Baltimore
Musical groups established in 2008